tihvaxy  of  Che  theological  ^tminaxy 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


PRESENTED  BY 

The  Estate  of 
Rev*  Robert  0.  Kirkwood 

BV  198  .F672  1911 

Fosdick,  Harry  Emerson,  1878 

-1969. 
Responsive  readings 


IReeponsipc  IReaM 


FROM  THE  AMERICAN  STANDARD  EDITION  OF 
THE  REVISED  VERSION  OF  THE  BIBLE 


SELECTED  AND  ARRANGED  BY 

HARRY  EMERSON  FOSDICK 


ZTbe  Century  Co. 
1911 


The  text  used  in  this  volume  is  taken  from  the  American  Standard 
Edition  of  the  Revised  Bible,  copyright,  1901,  by  Thomas  Nelson  &  Sons 
and  is  used  by  permission. 


Ifntrobuctlon 

npHESE  responsive  readings  are  an  attempt  to  adapt  for  the 
public  worship  of  Christian  congregations  those  noble  pas- 
sages of  both  Old  and  New  Testaments  which  are  suited  to  the 
purpose.  In  general  all  didactic  scriptures  have  been  avoided,  and 
those  chosen  which,  like  the  Psalms,  present  to  God  the  united 
prayer  and  praise  of  the  congregation,  or,  like  the  great  chapters 
in  Isaiah,  represent  the  people  as  meditating  upon  and  exalted  by 
their  common  faith.  The  rendering  is  that  of  the  American 
Standard  Revised  Version,  with  this  exception  :  that  wherever  the 
name  Jehovah  appears,  the  general  term  Lord  has  been  used. 
This  is  done  in  answer  to  the  widespread  and  reasonable  demand 
that  our  Christian  services  of  devotion  shall  not  be  unnecessarily 
encumbered  by  outgrown  Hebraisms. 


In&icea 


I.  SUBJECTS 

1.  A   Call  to   Worship 

2.  Morning  Prayer 

3.  Evening  Prayer 

4.  Praise  on  the  Lord's  Day 

5.  The  Privilege  of  Worship 

6.  Christian  Worship 

7.  Delight  in  Worship 

8.  Joy  in  Praising  God 

9.  True  Worship 

10.  Prayer  for  the  Church 

11.  The  Majesty  of  God 

12.  The  Lord's  Care  for  His 

Works 

13.  God  in  Nature 

14.  The  Glory  of  God 

15.  God's  Wisdom 

16.  The  Grace  of  God 

17.  The  Shepherd  God 

18.  God  Our  Deliverer 

19.  The     Safety     of     God's 

People 

20.  Praise   for    God's    Good- 

ness 

21.  Confidence  in  God 

22.  The  Christian's  Refuge 

23.  Hope  in  God's  Help 

24.  Peace  in  Believing 

25.  Comfort  in  God's  Power 

26.  Prayer  for  Protection 

27.  Prayer  for    Deliverance 

28.  Prayer  in  Trouble 

29.  Praise  for  Deliverance 

30.  The  Mystery  of  Life 

31.  Thanks      for       Material 

Blessings 

32.  Thanks  for  Public  Bless- 

ings 

33.  National    Thanksgiving 

34.  Prayer  for  Godliness 

35.  Delight    in    the    Law    of 

the  Lord 

36.  The  Joy  of  Obedience 

37.  The  Contrite  Heart 

38.  The  Joy   of   Forgiveness 

39.  The  Joy   of   Salvation 

40.  Gratitude  to   Christ 

41.  The   Righteous   and   the 

Wicked 

42.  The  Greatness  of  Love 

43.  Fatherhood  and  Brother- 

hood 

44.  The    duty   of    Brotherly 

Love 

45.  Prayer  for  Social  Justice 

46.  Social  Sin  and  Penitence 

47.  National  Penitence 

48.  True  Religion 

49.  Prayer  for  the  People 

50.  The  Glorious  Future 

51.  God's    Certain   Victory 

52.  The  Hope  of  the  King- 

dom 

53.  The   World-wide    Gospel 

54.  The  Great  Mission 

55.  The  Hope  of  Immortality 

56.  The  Great  King 

57.  The  Nativity 

58.  The  Glory  of  the  Cross 


59.  Children's  Day 

60.  The  New  Year 

II.  SCRIPTURE   PASSAGES 

Deuteronomy    8 — 33 

I.  Chronicles    29—33 

II.  Chronicles  6—10 
Ezra  9—37 
Job                    11—30 

31—44 

37—30 

Psalm  1—35 

5—  2 

8—13 

9—45 
10—45 
15—46 
16—55 
19—13,  35 
23—17 
24—51 
25—37 
27—26 
31—23 
32—38 
34—18 
37—41 
40—27 
42—28 
43—28 
44—59 
46—25 
51—34 
61—24 

62—  2 

63—  3 
65—8.  31 
67—49 
69—27 
78—59 
79—47 
84—  5 
90—60 
91—21 

95—  1 

96—  7 
98—  8 

100—10 
102—60 
103—20 
104—12 
105—33 
107—29 
113—53 
116—16 
117—53 
118—  4 
119—36 

121—  3 

122—  6 
124—19 
125—19 
126—19 
130—  2 
136—31 
139—15 
145—14 
147—32 
148—59 

iv 


Proverbs  3—30 

Isaiah  1 — 48 

2—53 

9—56 

11—56 

12—24 

25—  1 

40—11,  17,  25 

43—22,  50 

49—54 

51—52 

52—51 

53—58 

54—50 

55—16 

57—  9 

58—44 

61—54 

62—49 

63—43 
Jeremiah  7 — 48 

Lamentations    3 — 24 
Ezekiel  18—36 

Daniel  9—46 

Hosea  4 — 47 

6—38 
Joel  2—38 

Amos  5 — 47 

Micah  6—  9 

7—22 
Habakkuk  2—  9 
Luke  1—57 

John  4—  9 

10—17 
Romans  5 — 58 

8—22,  39 

I.Corinthians  13—42 

II.  Corinthians  4 — 55 

5—55 

Ephesians  1 — 40 

2—40 

5—  6 

Hebrews  10—  6 

12—  6 

13—17 

James  1 — 44 

I.  Peter  1—55 

I.  John  3—43 

4—42 


m.  SPECIAL  OCCASIONS 


Christmas,    51,    56,    57. 
Lent,  10,  26,  27.  28,  34,  37. 
Good  Friday,  58. 
Easter,  39.  50,  51,  55. 
Thanksgiving  Day,  31,32,  33, 

49. 
The  New  Year,  21,  22,  60. 
Patriotic  Services,  44,  45,  46, 

47,  48.  49. 
Missionary  Services,  50,  51, 

52,  53,  54. 
The  Lord's  Supper,  6,  39,  40, 

42   58 
Children's  Services,  17,  18,  20, 

35,  36,  59. 


o 


IResponsive  IReabinos 

FROM  THE 

AMERICAN  STANDARD  EDITION  OF  THE 
REVISED  VERSION  OF  THE  BIBLE 

SELECTION  1 

A  CALL  TO  WORSHIP 

Psalm  xcx 

COME,  let  lis  sing  unto  the  Lord.     Let  us  make  a  joyful 
noise  to  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 

Let  us  come  before  his  presence  with  thanksgiving;  let  us 
make  a  joyful  noise  unto  him  with  psalms. 

For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God, 

And  a  great  King  above  all  gods. 
In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the  earth ; 

The  heights  of  the  mountains  are  his  also. 

The  sea  is  his  and  he  made  it ;  and  his  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down;  let  us  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker : 

For  he  is  our  Grod, 

And  we  are  the  people  of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  his 
hand. 

Isaiah  xxv 

0  LORD  thou  art  my  Grod;  I  will  exalt  thee,  I  will  praise  thy 
name; 

For  thou  hast  done  wonderful  things,  in  faithfulness  and  truth, 

5 


6  IRcBponeive  1?eabing9 

Lo,  this  is  our  God ;  we  have  waited  for  him,  and  he  will  save  us : 
this  is  the  Lord  ; 

We  have  waited  for  him,  we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  his 

salvation. 

SELECTION  2 

MORNING    PRAYER 

Psalm  V 

GIVE  ear  to  my  words,  O  Lord,  consider  my  meditation. 
Harken  unto  the  voice  of  my  cry,  my  King,  and  my 
God; 

For  unto  thee  do  I  pray. 

0  Lord,  in  the  morning  shalt  thou  hear  my  voice ; 

In  the  morning  will  I  order  my  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will  keep 
watch. 

Psalm  cxxx 

OUT  of  the  depths  have  I  cried  unto  thee,  O  Lord. 

Lord,  hear  my  voice  :  let  thine  ears  be  attentive  to  the  voice  of  my 
supplications. 

If  thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O  Lord,  who  could 
stand  ? 

But  there  is  forgiveness  with  thee,  that  thou  may  est  be  feared. 

1  wait  for  the  Lord,  my  soul  doth  wait,  and  in  his  word  do  I 
hope. 

My  soul  waiteth  for  the  Lord,  more  than  watchmen  wait  for 
the  morning ; 

Yea,  more  than  watchmen  for  the  morning. 

0  Israel,  hope  in  the  Lord ;  for  with  the  Lord  there  is  loving- 
kindness. 

With  him  is  plenteous  redemption.     And  he  will  redeem  Israel 
from  all  his  iniquities. 

Psalm  Ixii 

MY  soul,  wait  thou  in  silence  for  God  only ; 
For  my  expectation  is  from  him. 

He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation:  he  is  my  high  tower- 

1  shall  not  be  moved. 


IReaponeive  IReaMngs  7 

With  God  is  my  salvation  and  my  glory:   the  rock  of  my 
strength,  and  my  refuge,  is  in  God. 

Trust  in  him  at  all  times,  ye  people; 
Pour  out  your  heart  before  him :  God  is  a  refuge  for  us. 

SELECTION  3 

EVENINa    PRAYER 

Psaim  ixiii 

OGOD,  thou  art  my  God  ;  earnestly  will  I  seek  thee : 
My  soul  thirsteth  for  thee,  my  flesh  longeth  for  thee,  in  a 
dry  and  weary  land,  where  no  water  is. 

So  have  I  looked  upon  thee  in  the  sanctuary,  to  see  thy  power 

and  thy  glory. 

Because  thy  lovingkindness  is  better  than  life,  my  lips  shall 
praise  thee. 

So  will  I  bless  thee  while  I  live : 

I  will  lift  up  my  hands  in  thy  name. 

My  soul  shall  be  satisfied  as  with  marrow  and  fatness ; 

And  my  mouth  shall  praise  thee  with  joyful  lips;  when  I  re- 
member thee  upon  my  bed. 

And  meditate  on  thee  in  the  night-watches. 

For  thou  hast  been  my  help,  and  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
will  I  rejoice. 

My  soul  followeth  hard  after  thee ; 
Thy  right  hand  upholdeth  me. 

Psalm  cxxi 

I  WILL  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  mountains ; 

From  whence  shall  my  help  come  ? 
My  help  cometh  from  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and  earth. 

He  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be  moved : 
He  that  keepeth  thee  will  not  slumber. 

Behold,  he  that  keepeth  Israel  will  neither  slumber  nor  sleep. 
The  Lord  is  thy  keeper:  the  Lord  is  thy  shade  upon  thy  right 
hand. 

The  sun  shall  not  smite  thee  by  day,  nor  the  moon  by  night. 

The  Lord  will  keep  thee  from  all  evil ;  he  will  keep  thy  soul. 


IReeponsive  IReaMnge 

The  Lord  will  keep  thy  going  out  and  thy  coming  in  from  this 
time  forth  and  for  evermore. 


SELECTION  4 

PRAISE   ON  THE   LORD'S  DAY 


o 


Psalm  cxviii 

GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is  good ;  for  his  loving- 
kindness  endureth  for  ever. 

Let  Israel  now  say,  that  his  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 

Let  them  now  that  fear  the  Lord  say,  that  his  lovingkindness  en- 
dureth for  ever. 

Out  of  my  distress  I  called  upon  the  Lord. 
The  Lord  answered  me  and  set  me  m  a  large  place. 

The  Lord  is  on  my  side ;  I  will  not  fear :  what  can  man  do  unto 

me  ? 
The  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song ;  and  he  is  become  my  salva- 
tion. 

The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is  in  the  tents  of  the 

righteous : 
The  riglit  hand  of  the  Lord  doeth  valiantly. 

The  right  hand  of  the  Lord  is  exalted :  the  right  hand  of  the 
Lord  doeth  valiantly. 

I  shall  not  die,  but  live,  and  declare  the  works  of  the  Lord. 

The  Lord  hath  chastened  me  sore ;  but  he  hath  not  given  me 

over  unto  death. 
Open  to  me  the  gates  of  righteousness : 

I  will  enter  into  them,  I  will  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord. 
This  is  the  gate  of  the  Lord,  the  righteous  shall  enter  into  it. 

I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee ;  for  thou  hast  answered  me,  and 

art  become  my  salvation. 
The  stone  which  the  builders  rejected  is  become  the  head  of  the 
corner. 

This  is  the  Lord's  doing;  it  is  marvellous  in  our  eyes. 
This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made ; 

We  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it. 


IReeponsiPC  IRea&inga  9 

Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee: 

Thou  art  my  God,  I  will  exalt  thee. 
O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good ; 

For  his  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 


SELECTION  5 

THE  PEIVILEGE   OF   WOESHIP 

Psalm  Ixxxiv 

HOW  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  0  Lord  of  hosts ! 
My  sotil  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the  courts  of  the 
Lord; 

My  heart  and  my  flesh  cry  out  unto  the  living  God. 
Yea,  the  sparrow  hath  found  her  a  house,  and  the  swallow  a 
nest  for  herself,  where  she  may  lay  her  young. 

Even  thine  altars,  O  Lord  of  hosts,  my  King,  and  my  God. 

Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house :  they  will  be  still 
praising  thee. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in  thee ;  in  whose  heart  are 
the  highways  to  Zion. 

Passing  through  the  valley  of  Weeping  they  make  it  a  place 
of  springs ; 

Yea,  the  early  rain  covereth  it  with  blessings. 

They  go  from  strength  to  strength ;  every  one  of  them  appeareth 
before  God  in  Zion. 

O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my  prayer ;  give  ear,  0  God  of  Jacob. 

Behold,  O  God  our  shield,  and  look  upon  the  face  of  thine 
anointed. 

For  a  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than  a  thousand. 

I  had  rather  be  a  doorkeeper  in  the  house  of  my  God,  than 
to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness. 

For  the  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  a  shield : 

The  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory; 
No  good  thing  will  he  withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly. 

O  Lord  of  hosts,  blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  thee. 


10  IResponeive  IReaMnge 

SELECTION  6 

CHRISTIAN  WORSHIP 

Psalm  cxxii 

1WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go  unto  the  house 
of  the  Lord. 

Our  feet  are  standing  within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusalem, 
Jerusalem,  that  art  builded  as  a  city  that  is  compact  together ; 

Whither  the  tribes  go  up,  even  the  tribes  of  the  Lord,  for  an 

ordinance  for  Israel, 
To  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

For  there  are  set  thrones  for  judgment,  the  thrones  of  the 

house  of  David. 
Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem:  they  shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 

Peace  be  within  thy  walls,  and  prosperity  within  thy  palaces. 
For  my  brethren  and  companions'  sakes,  I  will  now  say.  Peace  be 
within  thee. 

For  the  sake  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  our  God  I  will  seek  thy 

good. 

Hebrews  xii,  x 

BUT  ye  are  come  unto  mount  Zion,  and  unto  the  city  of  the 
living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem, 

And  to  innumerable  hosts  of  angels,  to  the  general  assembly 

and  church  of  the  firstborn  who  are  enrolled  in  heaven. 
And  to  God  the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect,  and  to  Jesus  the  mediator  of  a  new  convenant, 

And  to  the  blood  of  sprinkling  that  speaketh  better  than  that 

of  Abel. 
Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holy  place 
by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  the  way  which  he  dedicated  for  us, 

A  new  and  living  way,  through  the  veil,  that  is  to  say,  his 

flesh; 
And  having  a  great  priest  over  the  house  of  God, 

Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in  fulness  of  faith,  having 

our  hearts  sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience. 
And  having  our  body  washed  with  pure  water. 

Let  us  hold  fast  the  confession  of  our  hope  that  it  waver  not, 


IReeponeive  IRea&inQe  ii 

For  lie  is  faithful  that  promised  : 
And  let  us  consider  one  another  to  provoke  unto  love  and  good 
works ;  not  forsaking  our  own  assembling  together. 

Ephesians  V 

BE  filled  with  the  Spirit : 

Speaking  one  to  another  in  psalms  and  hymns  and  spiritual 

songs, 
SingiDg  and  making  melody  with  your  heart  to  the  Lord ; 

Giving  thanks  always  for  all  things  in  the  name  of  our  Lord 

Jesus  Christ  to  God,  even  the  Father. 

SELECTION  7 

DELIGHT   IN  WOESHIP 


Psalm  xcvi 


O 


SING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song:  sing  unto  the  Lord,  all 
the  earth. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord,  bless  his  name ;  show  forth  his  salvation 

from  day  to  day. 
Declare    his   glory   among   the   nations,    his    marvellous   works 
among  all  the  peoples. 

For  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised : 
He  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 

For  all  the  gods  of  the  peoples  are  idols;  but  the  Lord  made 

the  heavens. 
Honor  and  majesty  are  before  him : 

Strength  and  beauty  are  in  his  sanctuary. 
Ascribe  unto  the  Lord,  ye  kindreds  of  the  peoples,  ascribe  unto 
the  Lord  glory  and  strength. 

Ascribe  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due  unto  his  name : 
Bring  an  offering,  and  come  into  his  courts. 

Oh  worship  the  Lord  in  holy  array : 
Tremble  before  him,  all  the  earth.     Say  among  the  nations,  the 
Lord  reigneth : 

The  world  also  is  established  that  it  cannot  be  moved : 
He  will  judge  the  peoples  with  equity. 

Let  the  heavens  be  glad,  and  let  the  earth  rejoice ; 


12  IReeponeive  IRea&inQa 

Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof  ; 

Let  the  field  exult,  and  all  that  is  therein ; 
Tiien  shall  all  the  trees  of  the  wood  sing  for  joy  before  the  Lord; 

For  he  cometh,  for  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth : 
He  will  judge  the  world  with  righteousness, 

And  the  peoples  with  his  truth. 

SELECTION  8 

JOY  IN  PKAISING  GOD 

Psalm  xcviii 

OSING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song ;  for  he  hath  done  marvellous 
things : 

His  right  hand,  and  his  holy  arm,  hath  wrought  salvation  for 

him. 
The  Lord  hath  made  known  his  salvation  : 

His  righteousness  hath  he  openly  showed  in  the  sight  of  the 

nations. 
He   hath   remembered   his   lovingkindness   and  his  faithfulness 
toward  the  house  of  Israel : 

All  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen  the  salvation  of  our  God. 
Make  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth  : 

Break  forth  and  sing  for  joy,  yea,  sing  praises. 
Sing  praises  unto  the  Lord  with  the  harp ; 

With  the  harp  and  the  voice  of  melody,  with  trumpets  and 

sound  of  cornet. 
Make  a  joyful  noise  before  the  King,  the  Lord. 

Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  fulness  thereof;  the  world,  and  they 

that  dwell  therein ; 
Let  the  floods  clap  their  hands ; 

Let  the  hills  sing  for  joy  together  before  the  Lord ; 
For  he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth : 

He  will  judge  the  world  with  righteousness,  and  the  peoples 

with  equity. 

Psalm  Ixv 

PRAISE  waiteth  for  thee,  0  God,  in  Zion  ; 
And  unto  thee  shall  the  vow  be  performed. 


IReeponeive  IReabinge  is 

O  thou  that  hearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all  flesh  come. 

Iniquities  prevail  against  me;  as  for  our  transgressions,  thou 

wilt  forgive  them. 
Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  choosest,  and  causest  to  approach 
unto  thee,  that  he  may  dwell  in  thy  courts : 

We  shall  be  satisfied  with  the  goodness  of  thy  house,  thy 

holy  temple. 


SELECTION  9 

TRUE  WORSHIP 

Habakkuk  ii 

THE  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple  : 
Let  all  the  earth  keep  silence  before  him. 

Isaiah  Ivii 

THUS  saith  the  Lord,  Heaven  is  my  throne,  and  the  earth  is 
my  footstool: 

But  to  this  man  will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is  poor  and  of  a 
contrite  spirit, 

And  that  trembleth  at  my  word. 

For  thus  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity, 
whose  name  is  Holy : 

I  dwell  in  the  high  and  holy  place,  with  him  also  that  is  of  a 
contrite  and  humble  spirit. 

To  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble,  and  to  revive  the  heart 
of  the   contrite. 

Micah  vi 

WHEREWITH  shall  I  come  before  the  Lord,  and  bow  myself 
before  the  high  God  ? 

Shall  I  come  before  him  with  burnt-offerings,  with  calves  a 
year  old  ? 

Will  the  Lord  be  pleased  with  thousands  of  rams,  or  with  ten 
thousands  of  rivers  of  oil  ? 

Shall  I  give  my  first-born  for  my  transgression,  the  fruit  of 

my  body  for  the  sin  of  my  soul? 

He  hath  showed  thee,  O  man,  what  is  good  ;  and  what  doth  the 
Lord  require  of  thee. 


i4  TReeponeiPC  IReaMnge 

But  to  do  justly,  and  to  love  kindness,  and  to  walk  humbly 
with  thy  God  ? 

John  iv 

FOR  the  hour  cometh,  and  now  is,  when  the  true  worshippers 
shall  worship  the  Father  in  spirit  and  truth :  for  such  doth  the 
Father  seek  to  be  his  worshippers. 

God  is  a  Spirit:  and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  in 
spirit  and  truth. 

SELECTION  10 

PRAYER  FOR  THE  CHURCH 

Psalm  c 

ly /TAKE  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all  ye  lands. 

-^^-*-     Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness :  come  before  his  presence 
with  singing. 

Know  ye  that  the  Lord,  he  is  God  :  it  is  he  that  hath  made  us, 
and  we  are  his  ; 

We  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep  of  his  pasture. 

Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  his  courts  with 
praise : 

Give  thanks  unto  him,  and  bless  his  name.  For  the  Lord 
is  good : 

His  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 

And  his  faithfulness  unto  all  generations. 

II  Chronicles  vi 

BUT  will  God  in  very  deed  dwell  with  men  on  the  earth  ?  be- 
hold, heaven  and  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee ;  how 
much  less  this  house  which  I  have  builded ! 

Yet  have  thou  respect  unto  the  prayer  of  thy  servant,  and  to 
his  supplication,  O  Lord  my  God, 

To  hearken  unto  the  cry  and  to  the  prayer  which  thy  servant 
prayeth  before  thee  ; 

That  thine  eyes  may  be  open  toward  this  house  day  and 
night,  even  toward  the  place  whereof  thou  hast  said  that  thou 
wouldest  put  thy  name  there : 

And  hearken  thou  to  the  supplications  of  thy  servant,  and  of 
thy  people,  when  they  shall  pray  toward  this  place ; 


IRcaponeive  IRea&inga  is 

Yea,  hear  thou  from  thy  dwelling-place,  even  from  heaven; 
and  when  thou  hearest,  forgive. 

If  there  be  in  the  land  famine,  if  there  be  pestilence,  if  there 

be  blasting  or  mildew,  locust  or  caterpillar. 

If  their  enemies  besiege  them  in  the  land  of  their  cities ;  what- 
soever plague  or  whatsoever  sickness  there  be ; 

What  prayer  and  supplication  soever  be  made  by  any  man,  or 

by  all  thy  people,  who  shall  know  every  man  his  own  plague  and 

his  own  sorrow,    and  shall  spread  forth  his  hands  toward  this 

house : 

Then  hear  thou  from  heaven  thy  dwelling-place,  and  forgive, 
and  render  unto  every  man  according  to  all  his  ways,  whose 
heart  thou  knowest 

(For  thou,  even  thou  only,  knowest  the  hearts  of  the  children  of 

men); 
That  they  may  fear  thee,  to  walk  in  thy  ways,  so  long  as  they 
live  in  the  land  which  thou  gavest  unto  our  fathers. 

Now,  O  my  Grod,  let,  I  beseech  thee,  thine  eyes  be  open,  and  let 

thine  ears  be  attent,  unto  the  prayer  that  is  made  in  this  place. 
Now  therefore  arise,  O  Lord  God,  into  thy  resting-place,  thou, 
and  the  ark  of  thy  strength : 

Let  thy  priests,  0  Lord  God,  be  clothed  with  salvation, 
And  let  thy  saints  rejoice  in  goodness. 


SELECTION  11 

THE   MAJESTY  OF   GOD 

Isaiah  xl 

WHO  hath  measured  the  waters  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand, 
and  meted  out  heaven  with  the  span, 
And  comprehended  the  dust  of  the  earth  in  a  measure,  and 
weighed  the  mountains  in  scales,  and  the  hills  in  a  balance? 
Who  hath  directed  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  or  being  his  counsellor 
hath  taught  him  ? 

With  whom  took  he  counsel,  and  who  instructed  him,  and 
taught  him  in  the  path  of  justice. 


16  IRe^poneive  IReabinge 

And  taught  him  knowledge,  and  showed  to  him  the  way  of  un- 
derstanding ? 

Behold,  the  nations  are  as  a  drop  of  a  bucket,  and  are  accounted 

as  the  small  dust  of  the  balance: 

Behold  he  taketh  up  the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing. 

And  Lebanon  is  not  sufficient  to  burn,  nor  the  beasts  thereof 
sufficient  for  a  burnt-ofifering. 

All  the  nations  are  as  nothing  before  him ; 

They  are  accounted  by  him  as  less  than  nothing,  and  vanity. 
To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God  ? 

Or  what  likeness  will  ye  compare  unto  him  ? 
Have  ye  not  known  ?  have  ye  not  heard  ?  hath  it  not  been  told 
you  from  the  beginning  ? 

Have  ye  not  understood  from  the  foundations  of  the  earth  ? 
It  is  he  that  sitteth  above  the  circle  of  the  earth,  and  the  inhabit- 
ants thereof  are  as  grasshoppers. 

That  stretcheth  out  the  heavens  as  a  curtain,  and  spreadeth 

them  out  as  a  tent  to  dwell  in ; 
That  bringeth  princes  to  nothing  ;  that  maketh  the  judges  of  the 
earth  as  vanity. 

Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and  see  who  hath  created  these, 
that  bringeth  out  their  host  by  number: 

He  calleth  them  all  by  name ; 

By  the  greatness  of  his  might,  and  for  that  he  is  strong  in 
power,  not  one  is  lacking. 

Why  sayest  thou,  O  Jacob,  and  speakest,  O  Israel, 

My  way  is  hid  from  the  Lord,  and  the  justice  due  to  me  is 
passed  away  from  my  God? 

Hast  thou  not  known  ?  hast  thou  not  heard  ? 

The  everlasting  God,  the  Lord,  the  Creator  of  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  f ainteth  not,  neither  is  weary ; 

There  is  no  searching  of  his  understanding. 

He  giveth  power  to  the  faint;  and  to  him  that  hath  no  might 
he  increaseth  strength. 

Even  the  youths  shall  faint  and  be  weary,  and  the  young  men 
shall  utterly  fall : 

But  they  that  wait  for  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength ; 


1Re0pon6ive  IReabinga  i7 

Thej  shall  mount  up  witli  wings  as  eagles ; 

They  shall  run,  and  not  be  weary;  they  shall  walk,  and  not 
faint. 

SELECTION  12 

THE   LOED'S  CARE   FOR   HIS  WORKS 

Psalm  civ 

BLESS  the  Lord,  0  my  soul.     O  Lord  my  God,  thou  art  very 
great ; 

Thou  art  clothed  with  honor  and  majesty : 

Who  coverest  thyself  with  light  as  with  a  garment ;  who  stretch- 
est  out  the  heavens  like  a  curtain ; 

Who  layeth  the  beams  of  his  chambers  in  the  waters;  who 
maketh  the  clouds  his  chariot ; 

Who  walketh  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind ; 

Who  maketh  winds  his  messengers;  flames  of  fire  his  min- 
isters ; 

Who  laid  the    foundations  of   the  earth,  that  it  should  not  be 
moved  for  ever. 

Thou  coveredst  it  with  the  deep  as  with  a  vesture ;  the  waters 
stood  above  the  mountains. 

At  thy  rebuke  they  fled  ;  at  the  voice  of  thy  thunder  they  hasted 
away, 

Unto  the  place  which  thou  hadst  founded  for  them. 

He  appointed  the  moon  for  seasons :  the  sun  knoweth  his  going 
down. 

Thou  makest  darkness,  and  it  is  night,  wherein  all  the  beasts 
of  the  forest  creep  forth. 

The  young  lions  roar  after  their  prey,  and  seek  their  food  from 
God. 

The  sun  ariseth,  they  get  them  away,  and  lay  them  down  in 
their  dens. 

Man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work  and  to  his  labor  until  the  evening. 

O  Lord,  how  manifold  are  thy  works ! 

In  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy 
riches. 


18  IReeponeive  IReaMnge 

I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  as  long  as  I  live :  I  will  sing  praise 
to  my  God  while  I  have  any  being. 

Let  my  meditation  be  sweet  unto  him  :  I  will  rejoice  in  tlie  Lord. 

Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

SELECTION  13 

GOD  m  NATURE 

Psalm  xix 

THE  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God ; 
And  the  firmament  showeth  his  handiwork. 

Day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto  night  showeth 
knowledge. 

There  is  no  speech  nor  language ;  their  voice  is  not  heard. 
Their  line  is  gone  out  through  all  the  earth, 

And  their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world. 
In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle  for  the  sun,  which  is  as  a  bride- 
groom coming  out  of  his  chamber, 

And  rejoiceth  as  a  strong  man  to  run  his  course. 
His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the  heavens. 

And  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it;  and  there  is  nothing  hid 
from  the  heat  thereof. 

Psalm  viii 

O  LORD,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth, 

Who  hast  set  thy  glory  upon  the  heavens ! 
Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  sucklings  hast  thou  established 
strength,  because  of  thine  adversaries, 

That  thou  mightest  still  the  enemy  and  the  avenger. 
When  I  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thy  fingers,  the  moon 
and  the  stars,  which  thou  hast  ordained  ; 

What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him?     And  the  son  of 

man,  that  thou  visitest  him? 
For  thou  hast  made  him  but  little  lower  than  God,  and  crownest 
him  with  glory  and  honor. 

Thou  makest  him  to  have  dominion  over  the  works  of  thy 

hands; 


IReeponeive  IReabinge  19 

Thou  hast  put  all  tilings  under  liis  feet :  all  sheep  and  oxen, 

Yea,  and  the  beasts  of  the  field,  the  birds  of  the  heavens,  and 
the  fish  of  the  sea. 

Whatsoever  passeth  through  the  paths  of  the  seas„ 
O  Lord,  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth ! 


SELECTION  14 

THE  GLOKY  OF  GOD 


Psalm  cxlv 


I  WILL  extol  thee,  my  God,  0  King  ; 
And  I  will  bless  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

Every  day  will  I  bless  thee ;  and  I  will  praise  thy  name  for  ever 
and  ever. 

Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be  praised;  and  his  great- 
ness is  unsearchable. 

One  generation  shall  laud  thy  works  to  another,  and  shall  declare 
thy  mighty  acts. 

They  shall  utter  the  memory  of  thy  great  goodness,  and  shall 
sing  of  thy  righteousness. 

The  Lord  is  gracious,  and  merciful  ; 

Slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  lovingkindness. 

The  Lord  is  good  to  all ;  and  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his 
works. 

All  thy  works  shall  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord;  and  thy 
saints  shall  bless  thee. 

They  shall  speak  of  the  glory  of  thy  kingdom,  and  talk  of  thy 
power. 

Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  kingdom,  and  thy  dominion 
endureth  throughout  all  generations. 

The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall. 

And  raiseth  up  all  those  that  are  bowed  down. 

The  eyes  of  all  wait  for  thee ;  and  thou  givest  them  their  food 
in  due  season. 

Thou  openest  thy  hand,  and  satisfieth  the  desire  of  every 
living  thing. 


20  IReeponeive  IReablnge 

The  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  gracious  in  all  his  works. 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  him,  to  all  that 
call  upon  him  in  truth. 

The  Lord  preserveth  all  them  that  love  him ;  but  all  the  wicked 
will  he  destroy. 

My  mouth  shall  speak  the  praise  of  the  Lord;  and  let  all 
flesh  bless  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

SELECTION  15 

GOD'S  WISDOM 

Psalm  cxxxix 

OLORD,  thou  hast  searched  me,  and  known  me. 
Thou  knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  uprising;   thou 

understandest  my  thought  afar  off. 
Thou  searchest  out  my  path  and  my  lying  down,  and  art   ac- 
quainted with  all  my  ways. 

For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but,  lo,  O  Lord,  thou 

knowest  it  altogether. 
Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before,  and  laid  thy  hand  upon  me. 

SucL  knowledge  is  too  wonderful  for  me ;  it  is  high,  I  cannot 

attain  unto  it. 
Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  Spirit?  or  whither  shall  I  flee  from 
thy  presence  ?    If  I  ascend  up  into  heaven,  thou  art  there  : 

If  I  make  my  bed  in  Sheol,  behold,  thou  art  there. 
If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning,  and  dwell  in  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  sea ; 

Even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me,  and  thy  right  hand  shall 

hold  me. 
If  I  say,  Surely  the  darkness  shall  overwhelm  me,  and  the  light 
about  me  shall  be  night ; 

Even  the  darkness  hideth  not  from  thee, 
But  the  night  shineth  as  the  day : 

The  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  thee. 
How  precious   also  are  thy  thoughts  unto  me,  O  Grod ! 

How  great  is  the  sum  of  them ! 
If  I  should  count  them,  they  are  more  in  number  than  the  sand : 

When  I  awake,  I  am  still  with  thee. 


IReaponeive  IReabinge  21 


Searcli  me,  O  Grod,  and  know  my  heart : 
Try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts ; 

And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me, 
And  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting. 

SELECTION  16 

THE  GRACE  OF  GOD 


Isaiah  Iv 


HO,  every  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye  to  the  waters, 
And  he  that  hath  no  money;  come  ye,  buy,  and  eat; 
Yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk  without  money  and  without  price. 
Wherefore  do  ye  spend  money  for  that  which  is  not  bread  ? 

And  your  labor  for  that  which  satisfieth  not  ? 

Hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and  eat  ye  that  which  is  good, 
and  let  your  soul  delight  itself  in  fatness. 

Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  ;  hear  and  your  soul  shall  live  : 

And  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant  with  you. 

Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found  ;  call  ye  upon  him  while 
he  is  near : 

Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and  the  unrighteous  man  his 
thoughts ; 

And  let  him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will  have  mercy  upon 
him  ; 

And  to  our  God,  for  he  will  abundantly  pardon. 

Psalm  cxvi 

GRACIOUS  is  the  Lord,  and  righteous  ;  yea,  our  God  is  merciful. 

The  Lord  preserveth  the  simple:  I  was  brought  low,  and  he 

saved  me. 
Return  unto  thy  rest,  0  my  soul ; 

For  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee. 
For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  death, 

Mine  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet  from  falling. 
What  shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  toward  me? 

I  will  take  the  cup  of  salvation,  and  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord. 


22  1Re0pon6i\>e  1Rea6ing6 

I  will  offer  to  thee  the  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving,  and  will  call  upon 
the  name  of  the  Lord. 

I  will  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord,  yea,  in  the  presence  of  all 
his  people, 

In  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house, 
In  the  midst  of  thee,  O  Jerusalem.     Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

SELECTION  17 

THE  SHEPHERD  GOD 

Isaiah  xl 

OTHOU  that  tellest  good  tidings  to  Zion,  get  thee  up  on  a 
high  mountain ; 

O  thou  that  tellest  good  tidings  to  Jerusalem,  lift  up  thy  voice 
with  strength; 

Lift  it  up,  be  not  afraid ;  say  unto  the  cities  of  Judah,  Behold, 
your  God  ! 

Behold,  the  Lord  will  come  as  a  mighty  one,  and  his  arm  will 
rule  for  him : 

Behold,  his  reward  is  with  him,  and  his  recompense  before  him. 
He  will  feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd. 

He  will  gather  the  lambs  in  his  arm,  and  carry  them  in  his 
bosom,  and  will  gently  lead  those  that  have  their  young. 

Psalm  xxiii 

THE  Lord  is  my  shepherd  ;  I  shall  not  want. 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures;  he  leadeth  me 
beside  still  waters. 

He  restoreth  my  soul : 

He  guideth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  for  his  name's 
sake. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
I  will  fear  no  evil 

For  thou  art  with  me ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 

Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of  mine  enemies  : 
Thou  hast  anointed  my  head  with  oil ;  my  cup  runneth  over. 

Surely  goodness  and  lovmgkindness  shall  follow  me  all  the  days 

of  my  life  ; 

And  I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  for  ever. 


TReaponeive  "KeaDinee  23 

John  X 

JESUS  said  unto  them,  I  am  the  good  shepherd  :  the  good  shep- 
herd layeth  down  his  life  for  the  sheep. 

He  that  is  a  hireling,  and  not  a  shepherd,  whose  own  the  sheep 

are  not,  beholdeth  the  wolf  coming,  and  leaveth  the  sheep, 

and  fleeth. 
And  the  wolf  snatcheth  them,  and  scattereth  them :   he  fleeth 
because  he  is  a  hireling,  and  careth  not  for  the  sheep. 

I  am  the  good  shepherd ;  and  I  know  mine  own,  and  mine  own 

know  me, 
Even  as  the  Father  knoweth  me,  and  I  know  the  Father ;  and  I 
lay  down  my  life  for  the  sheep. 

And  other  sheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of  this  fold :  them  also  I 

must  bring. 
And  they  shall  hear  my  voice ; 

And  they  shall  become  one  flock,  one  shepherd. 

Hebrewrs  xiii 

NOW  the  God  of  peace,  who  brought  again  from  the  dead  the 
great  shepherd  of  the  sheep  with  the  blood  of  an  eternal  covenant, 
even  our  Lord  Jesus, 

Make  you  perfect  in  every  good  thing  to  do  his  will. 
Working  in  us  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight, 

Through  Jesus  Christ;  to  whom  be  the  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 

Amen. 

SELECTION  18 

GOD  OUR  DELIVERER 

Psalm  xxTiv 

I  WILL  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times  :  his  praise  shall  continually 
be  in  my  mouth. 
My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  the  Lord : 

The  meek  shall  hear  thereof,  and  be  glad. 
Oh  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt  his  name  to- 
gether. 

I  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  answered  me, 
And  delivered  me  from  all  my  fears. 

They  looked  unto  him,  and  were  radiant;  and  their  faces  shall 

never  be  confounded. 


24  IReeponaive  IReaMnge 

This  poor  man  cried,  and  the  Lord  heard  him,  and  saved  him 
out  of  all  his  troubles. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that  fear 
him,  and  delivereth  them. 

Oh,  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good :  blessed  is  the  man 
that  taketh  refuge  in  him. 

Oh  fear  the  Lord,  ye  his  saints  ;  for  there  is  no  want  to  them 
that  fear  him. 

The  young  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer  hunger ; 
But  they  that  seek  the  Lord  shall  not  want  any  good  thing. 

Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me :  I  will  teach  you  the  fear 

of  the  Lord. 
What  man  is  he  that  desireth  life,  and  loveth  many  days,  that  he 
may  see  good  ? 

Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy  lips  from  speaking  guile. 
Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good ;  seek  peace,  and  pursue  it. 

The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  toward  the  righteous,  and  his  ears 
are  open  unto  their  cry. 

The  face  of  the  Lord  is  against  them  that  do  evil. 
To  cut  off  the  remembrance  of  them  from  the  earth. 

The  righteous  cried  and  the  Lord  heard,  and  delivered  them  out  of 

all  their  troubles. 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a  broken  heart. 

And  saveth  such  as  are  of  a  contrite  spirit. 

Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous;  but  the  Lord  de- 
livereth him  out  of  them  all. 

He  keepeth  all  his  bones :  not  one  of  them  is  broken. 
Evil  shall  slay  the  wicked;  and  they  that  hate  the  righteous 
shall  be  condemned. 

The  Lord  redeemeth  the  soul  of  his  servants ; 
And  none  of  them  that  take  refuge  in  him  shall  be  condemned. 

SELECTION  19 

THE    SAFETY   OF   GOD'S   PEOPLE 

Psalm  cxxiv 

F  it  had  not  been  the   Lord  who  was  on  our  side,  let  Israel 
now  say, 


I 


IReepouBive  IReabinga  25 

If  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  on  our  side,  when  men 
rose  up  against  us ; 

Then  they  had  swallowed  us  up  alive,  when  their  wrath   was 
kindled  against  us : 

Then  the  waters  had  overwhelmed  us, 

The  stream  had  gone  over  our  soul; 

Then  the  proud  waters  had  gone  over  our  soul. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  given  us  as  a  prey  to  their 
teeth. 

Our  soul  is  escaped  as  a  bird  out  of  the  snare  of  the  fowlers : 

The  snare  is  broken,  and  we  are  escaped. 

Our  help  is  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  made  heaven  and 
earth. 

Psalm  cxxvi 

WHEN  the  Lord  brought  back  those  that  returned  to  Zion,  we 
were  like  unto  them  that  dream. 

Then  was  our  mouth  filled  with  laughter,  and  our  tongue 
with  singing : 

The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us,  whereof  we  are  glad. 

They  that  sow  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy. 

He  that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  seed  for  sowing, 

Shall  doubtless  come  again  with  joy,  bringing  his  sheaves 
with  him. 

Psalm  cxxv 

THEY  that  trust  in  the  Lord  are  as  mount  Zion,  which  cannot 
be  moved,  but  abideth  for  ever. 

As  the  mountains  are  round  about  Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is 
round  about  his  people  from  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 

SELECTION  20 

PRAISE   FOE   GOD'S   GOODNESS 

Psalm  ciii 

BLESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ;  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless 
his  holy  name. 
Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  his  benefits : 
Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities;  who  healeth  all  thy  diseases; 

Who  redeemeth  thy  life  from  destruction; 
Who  crowneth  thee  with  loviufj-kindness  and  tender  mercies: 


26  IResponeive  IReaMnge 

Who  satisfieth  thy  desire  with  good  things,  so  that  thy  youth 
is  renewed  like  the  eagle. 

The  Lord  executeth  righteous  acts,  and  judgments  for  all  that  are 
oppressed. 

He  made  known  his  ways  unto  Moses,  his  doings  unto  the 

children  of  Israel. 
The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  slow  to  anger,  and  abundant 
in  lovingkindness. 

He  will  not  always  chide ;  neither  will  he  keep  his  anger  for 
«ever. 
He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our  sins,   nor  rewarded  us  after 
our  iniquities. 

For  as  the  heavens  are  high  above  the  earth,  so  great  is  his 

lovingkindness  toward  them  that  fear  him. 
As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so  far  hath  he  removed  our 
transgressions  from  us. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children, 
So  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 

For  he  knoweth  our  frame ;  he  remembereth  that  we  are  dust. 
As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass  ;  as  a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he 
flourisheth.  For  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone  ;  and  the 
place  thereof  shall  know  it  no  more. 

But  the  lovingkindness  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to 

everlasting  upon  them  that  fear  him. 
And  his  righteousness  unto  children's  children ; 

To  such  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to  those  that  remember 

his  precepts  to  do  them. 

SELECTION  21  )    ^ 

CONFIDENCE   IN   GOD 

Psalm  xci 

HE  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High  shall 
abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. 
I  will  say  of  the  Lord,  He  is  my  refuge  and  my  fortress ;  my 
God,  in  whom  I  trust. 

For  he  will  deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from 
the  deadly  pestilence. 


IReeponsive  IReaMnga  27 

He  will  cover  thee  with  his  pinions,  and  under  his  wings  shalt 
thou  take  refuge : 

His  truth  is  a  shield  and  a  buckler. 

Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror  by  night, 
Nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day ; 

For  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness, 
Nor  for  the  destruction  that  wasteth  at  noonday. 

A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side,  and  ten  thousand  at  thy 

right  hand; 
But  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee. 

Only  with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  behold,  and  see  the  reward 

of  the  wicked, 
For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  my  refuge !  thou  hast  made  the  Most  High 
thy  habitation ; 

There  shall  no  evil  befall  thee,  neither  shall  any  plague  come 

nigh  thy  tent. 
For  he  will  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all 
thy  ways. 

They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands,  lest  thou  dash  thy 

foot  against  a  stone. 
Thou  shalt  tread  upon  the  lion  and  adder: 

The  young  lion  and  the  serpent  shalt  thou  trample  under  foot. 
Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me,  therefoi-e  will  I  deliver 
him :  I  will  set  him  on  high,  because  he  hath  known  my  name. 

He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  answer  him;  I  will  be  with 

him  in  trouble : 
I  will  deliver  him,  and  honor  him. 

With  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and  show  him  my  salvation. 

SELECTION  22 

THE   CHRISTIAN'S  REFUGE 

Isaiah  xliii 

BUT  now  thus  saith  the  Lord  that  created  thee,  0  Jacob,  and 
he  that  formed  thee,  0  Israel : 
Fear  not,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee ; 

I  have  called  thee  by  thy  name,  thou  art  mine. 


28  IReaponsive  TReabinge 

When  thou  passest  through  the  waters,  I  will  be  with  thee ; 

And  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee : 
When  thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not  be  burned, 

Neither  shall  the  flame  kindle  upon  thee. 

Fear  thou  not,  for  I  am  with  thee ;  be  not  dismayed,  for  I  am 
thy  God; 

I  will  strengthen  thee ;  yea,  I  will  help  thee ; 
Yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand  of  my  righteous- 
ness. 

Micah  vii 

BUT  as  for  me,  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord  ;  I  will  wait  for  the  God 
of  my  salvation : 

My  God  will  hear  me.     Rejoice  not  against  me,  O  mine 

enemy : 
When  I  fall,  I  shall  arise ;  when  I  sit  in  darkness,  the  Lord  will 
be  a  light  unto  me. 

I  will  bear  the  indignation  of  the  Lord,  because  I  have  sinned 

against  him. 
Until  he  plead  my  cause,  and  execute  judgment  for  me ; 

He  will  bring  me  forth  to  the  light,  and  I  shall  behold  his 
righteousness. 

Romans  viii 

FOK  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not 
worthy  to  be  compared 

With  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  to  us-ward. 
For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor 
principalities. 

Nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come,  nor  powers,  nor  height, 

nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature, 
Shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God, 

Which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

SELECTION  23 

HOPE   IN  GOD'S  HELP 

Psalm  xxxi 

IN  thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  take  refuge ;   let  me  never  be  put  to 
shame : 


Deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness.     Bow  down  thine  ear  unto 
me ;  deliver  me  speedily : 

Be  thou  to  me  a  strong  rock,  a  house  of  defence  to  save  me. 

For  thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress ; 
Therefore  for  thy  name's  sake  lead  me  and  guide  me. 

Pluck  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have  laid  privily  for  me ; 
For  thou  art  my  stronghold.     Into  thy  hand   I   commend  my 
spirit : 

Thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Lord,  thou  God  of  truth.     Thou 

hast  set  my  feet  in  a  large  place. 
Have  mercy  upon  me,  0  Lord,  for  T  am  in  distress : 

Mine  eye  wasteth  away  with  grief,  yea,  my  soul  and  my  body. 
But  I  trusted  in  thee,  0  Lord  :  I  said,  Thou  art  my  God. 

My  times  are  in  thy  hand :  deliver  me  from  the  hand  of  mine 
enemies,  and  from  them  that  persecute  me. 

Make  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  servant :  save  me  in  thy  loving- 
kindness. 

Oh  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which  thou  hast  laid  up  for 

them  that  fear  thee, 

Which  thou  hast  wrought  for  them  that  take  refuge  in  thee,  be- 
fore the  sons  of  men  ! 

In  the  covert  of  thy  presence  wilt  thou  hide  them  from  the 
plottings  of  man: 

Tliou  wilt  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pavilion  from  the  strife  of 
tongues. 

Oh  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints:  the  Lord  preserveth  the 
faithful. 
And  plentifully  rewardeth  him  that  dealeth  proudly. 

Be  strong,  and  let  your  heart  take  courage,  all  ye  that  hope 
in  the  Lord. 

SELECTION  24 

PEACE  IN  BELIEVma 

Psalm  Ixi 

EAR  my  cry,  0  God ;  attend  unto  my  prayer. 
From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  call  unto  thee,  when 
my  heart  is  overwhelmed : 


H 


30  IReeponeive  IReaMnga 

Lead  me  to  the  rock  that  is  higher  than  I. 

For  thou  hast  been  a  refuge  for  me,  a  strong  tower  from  the 
enemy. 

I  will  dwell  in  thy  tabernacle  for  ever : 

I  will  take  refuge  in  the  covert  of  thy  wings. 

Lamentations  iii 

IT  is  of  the  Lord's  lovingkindnesses  that  we  are  not  consumed, 
because  his  compassions  fail  not. 

They  are  new  every  morning;  great  is  thy  faithfulness. 

The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul ;  therefore  will  I  hope  in 
him. 

The  Lord  is  good  unto  them  that  wait  for  him,  to  the  soul  that 
seeketh  him. 

It  is  good  that  a  man  should  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the  salva- 
tion of  the  Lord.  t   •  u   •• 

Isaiah  zii 

I  WILL  give  thanks  unto  thee,  O  Lord ; 

For  though  thou  wast  angry  with  me,  thine  anger  is  turned  away, 
and  thou  comfortest  me. 

Behold,  God  is  my  salvation;  I  will  trust,  and  will  not  be 
afraid : 

For  the  Lord,  even  the  Lord,  is  my  strength  and  song ;  and  he  is 
become  my  salvation. 

Therefore  with  joy  shall  ye  draw  water  out  of  the  wells  of 
salvation. 

Give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name,  declare  his  doings 
among  the  peoples,  make  mention  that  his  name  is  exalted. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  done  excellent  things:  let 
this  be  known  in  all  the  earth. 
Cry  aloud  and  shout,  thou  inhabitant  of  Zion ; 
For  great  in  the  midst  of  thee  is  the  Holy  One  of  Israel. 

SELECTION  25 

COMFORT  IN  GOD'S  POWER 

Isaiah  xl 

COMFORT  ye,  comfort  ye  my  people,  saith  your  God. 
Speak  ye  comfortably  to  Jerusalem;   and  cry  unto  her, 
that  her  warfare  is  accomplished. 


IRespoHBive  IReabings  3i 

That  her  iniquity  is  pardoned,  that  she  hath  received  of  the 
Lord's  hand  double  for  all  her  sins. 

The  voice  of  one  that  crieth,  Prepare  ye  in  the  wilderness  the 
way  of  the  Lord ; 

Make  level  in  the  desert  a  highway  for  our  God. 

Every  valley  shall  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and  hill 
shall  be  made  low; 

And  the  uneven  shall  be  made  level,  and  the  rough  places  a  plain. 

And  the  glory  of  the  Lord  shall  be  revealed,  and  all  flesh  shall 
see  it  together ; 

For  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

The  voice  of  one  saying.  Cry.     And  one  said,  What  shall  I  cry  ? 

All  flesh  is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness  thereof  is  as  the  flower 
of  the  field. 

The  grass  withereth,  the  flower  fadeth,  because  the  breath 
of  the  Lord  bloweth  upon  it ; 

Surely  the   people   is   grass.     The   grass  withereth,   the   flower 
fadeth  ; 

But  the  word  of  our  God  shall  stand  for  ever. 

Pss^m  xlvi 

GOD  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble. 
Therefore  will  we  not  fear,  though  the  earth  do  change,  and 
though  the  mountains  be  shaken  into  the  heart  of  the  seas ; 

Though   the   waters   thereof  roar  and  be  troubled,  though  the 
mountains  tremble  with  the  swelling  thereof. 

There  is  a  river,  the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the  city  of 
God, 

The  holy  place  of  the  tabernacles  of  the  Most  High. 

God  is  in  the  midst  of  her ;  she  shall  not  be  moved :  God  will 
help  her,  and  that  right  early. 

The  nations  raged,  the  kingdoms  were  moved :    he  uttered  his 
voice,  the  earth  melted. 

The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us ;  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge. 

Come,  behold  the  works  of  the  Lord,  what  desolations  he  hath 
made  in  the  earth. 

He  maketh  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end  of  the  earth ;  he  break- 
eth  the  bow,  and  cutteth  the  spear  in  sunder ; 


32  1Re0pon0ive  IReabinge 

He  burneth  the  chariots  in  the  lire. 

Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God : 
I  will  be  exalted  among  the  nations,  I  will  be  exalted  in  the  earth. 

The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us ;  the  God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge. 

SELECTION  26 

PEAYEE  FOE  PEOTECTION 

Psalm  xxvii 

THE  Lord  is  mj  light  and  my  salvation ;  whom  shall  I  fear  ? 
The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life ;  of  whom  shall  I  be 
afraid? 
When  evil-doers  came  upon  me  to  eat  up  my  flesh, 

Even  mine  adversaries  and  my  foes,  they  stumbled  and  fell. 
Though  a  host  should  encamp  against  me,  my  heart  shall  not  fear : 

Though  war  should  rise  against  me,  even  then  will  I  be 
confident. 

One  thing  have  I  asked  of  the  Lord,  that  will  I  seek  after : 

That  I  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my 

life, 
To  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  inquire  in  his  temple, 

For  in  the  day  of  trouble  he  will  keep  me  secretly  in  his 

pavilion : 
In  the  covert  of  his  tabernacle  will  he  hide  me ; 

He  will  lift  me  up  upon  a  rock.     And  now  shall  my  head  be 
lifted  up  above  mine  enemies  round  about  me; 

And  I  will  offer  in  his  tabernacle  sacrifices  of  joy ; 

I  will  sing,  yea,  I  will  sing  praises  unto  the  Lord. 
Hear,  0  Lord,  when  I  cry  with  my  voice :   have  mercy  also  upon 
me,  and  answer  me. 

When  thou  saidst.  Seek  ye  my  face ;  my  heart  said  unto  thee. 

Thy  face.  Lord,  will  I  seek. 
Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  ;  put  not  thy  servant  away  in  anger : 

Thou  hast  been  my  help;  cast  me  not  ofif,  neither  forsake  me, 

O  God  of  my  salvation. 
When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me,  then  the  Lord  will 
take  me  up. 


IResponeive  IReabinga  33 

Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord;  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path,  be- 
cause of  mine  enemies. 

Deliver  me  not  over  unto  the  will  of  mine  adversaries : 

For  false  witnesses  are  risen  up  against  me,  and  such  as 
breathe  out  cruelty. 

I  had  fainted,  unless  1  had  believed  to  see  the  goodness  of  the 
Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

Wait  for  the  Lord :  be  strong,  and  let  thy  heart  take  courage ; 

yea,  wait  thou  for  the  Lord. 

SELECTION  27 
PEAYEE   FOE  DELIVEEANCE 

Psalm  Ixix 

SAYE  me,  0  God ;  for  the  waters  are  come  in  unto  mv  soul. 
I  sink  in  deep  mire,  where  there  is  no  standing : 
I  am  come  mto  deep  waters,  where  the  floods  overflow  me. 

I  am  weary  with  my  crying ;  my  throat  is  dried : 
Mine  eyes  fail  while  I  wait  for  my  God. 

But  as  for  me,  my  prayer  is  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  in  an  acceptable 
time ; 

0  God,  in  the  abundance  of  thy  lovingkindness,  answer  me  in  the 
truth  of  thy  salvation. 

Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  and  let  me  not  sink: 
Let  me  be  delivered  from  them  that  hate  me,  and  out  of  the  deep 
waters. 

Let  not  the  waterflood  overwhelm  me,  neither  let  the  deep 

swallow  me  up ; 
And  let  not  the  pit  shut  its  mouth  upon  me. 

Answer  me,  O  Lord;  for  thy  lovingkindness  is  good:  according 

to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  turn  thou  unto  me. 
And  hide  not  thy  face  from  thy  servant ; 

For  I  am  in  distress ;  answer  me  speedily. 

Psalm  xl 

1  WAITED  patiently  for  the  Lord ;  and  he  inclined  unto  me, 
and  heard  my  cry. 

He  brought  me  up  also  out  of  a  horrible  pit,  out  of  the  miry 
clay; 


34  1Re0pon6ive  IRea&inga 

And  he  set  my  feet  upon  a  rock,  and  established  my  goings. 

And  he  hath  put  a  new  song  in  my  mouth,  even  praise  unto 
our  God : 

Many  shall  see  it,  and  fear,  and  shall  trust  in  the  Lord. 
Blessed  is  the  man  that  maketh  the  Lord  his  trust. 

Let  all  those  that  seek  thee  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  thee : 

Let  such  as  love  thy  salvation  say  continually,  The  Lord  be 
magnified. 

SELECTION  28 

PEAYEE   IN   TEOUBLB 

Psalm  xlii 

AS  the  heart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks,  so  panteth  my 
soul  after  thee,  O  God. 
My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God :  when  shall  I 
come  and  appear  before  God  ? 
My  tears  have  been  my  food  day  and  night, 

While  they  continually  say  unto  me.  Where  is  thy  God  ? 
These  things  I  remember,  and  pour  out  my  soul  within  me. 

How  I  went  with  the  throng,  and  led  them  to  the  house  of  God, 
With  the  voice  of  joy  and  praise,  a  multitude  keeping  holyday. 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  ?     And  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted within  me  ? 

Hope  thou  in  God ;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him 

For  the  help  of  his  countenance. 

0  my  God,  my  soul  is  cast  down  within  me : 

Deep  calleth  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of  thy  waterfalls:  all  thy 
waves  and  thy  billows  are  gone  over  me. 

Yet  the  Lord  will  command  his  lovingkindness  in  the  day-time ; 
And  in  the  night  his  song  shall  be  with  me,  even  a  prayer  unto 
the  God  of  my  life. 

1  will  say  unto  God  my  rock.  Why  hast  thou  forgotten  me  ? 

Why  go  I  mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the  enemy? 
As  with  a  sword  in  my  bones,  mine  adversaries  reproach  me. 
While  they  continually  say  unto  me,  Where  is  thy  God? 


IResponeive  IReabintje  35 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul  ?     And  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted within  me? 
Hope  thou  in  God ;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him, 

Who  is  the  help  of  my  countenance,  and  my  God. 

Psalm  xl  ii 

JUDGE  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause  against  an  ungodly 
nation : 

Oh  deliver  me  from  the  deceitful  and  unjust  man, 

For  thou  art  the  God  of  my  strength;  why  hast  thou  cast  me 
off? 

Why  go  I  mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the  enemy? 

Oh  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth ;  let  them  lead  me :  let 
them  bring  me  unto  thy  holy  hill, 

And  to  thy  tabernacles.     Then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of  God, 
Unto  God  my  exceeding  joy;  and  upon  the  harp  will  I  praise 
thee,  O  God,  my  God. 

Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul  ?     And  why  art  thou  dis- 
quieted within  me? 

Hope  thou  in  God ;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who  is  the  help 
of  my  countenance,  and  my  God. 

SELECTION  29 

PKAISE  FOR  DELIVERANCE 

Psalm  cvii 

OGIYE  thanks  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  is  good ; 
For  his  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 
Let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord  say  so,  whom  he  hath  redeemed 
from  the  hand  of  the  adversary, 

And  gathered  out  of  the  lands,  from  the  east  and  from  the 

west,  from  the  north  and  from  the  south. 
They  wandered  in  the  wilderness  in  a  desert  way ; 

They  found  no  city  of  habitation.     Himgry  and  thirsty,  their 

soul  fainted  in  them. 
Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble, 

And  he  delivered  them  out  of  their  distresses. 


36  IReeponeive  IReabinge 

He  led  them  also  by  a  straight  way,  that  they  might  go  to  a  city 
of  habitation. 

Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  lovingkindness, 
And  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  ! 

For  he  satisfieth  the  longing  soul,  and  the  hungry  soul  he 

filleth  with  good. 
Such  as  sat  in  darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  being  bound 
in  affliction  and  iron, 

Because  they  rebelled  against  the  words  of  God,  and  con- 
temned the  counsel  of  the  Most  High: 
Therefore  he  brought  down  their  heart  with  labor ;  they  fell  down, 
and  there  was  none  to  help. 

Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble. 
And  he  saved  them  out  of  their  distresses. 

He  brought  them  out  of  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death, 

and  brake  their  bonds  in  sunder. 
Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  lovingkindness,  and 
for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  I 

For  he  hath  broken  the  gates  of  brass,  and  cut  the  bars  of  iron 

in  sunder. 
They  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships,  that  do  business  in  great 
waters ; 

These  see  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  his  wonders  in  the  deep. 
For  he  commandeth,  and  raiseth  the  stormy  wind,  which  lifteth 
up  the  waves  thereof. 

They  mount  up  to  the  heavens,  they  go  down  again  to  the 

depths : 
Their  soul  melteth  away  because  of  trouble. 

They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  stagger  like  a  drunken  man,  and  are 

at  their  wits'  end. 
Then  they  cry  unto  the  Lord  in  their  trouble,  and  he  bringeth 
them  out  of  their  distresses. 

He  maketh  the  storm  a  calm,  so  that  the  waves  thereof  are 

still. 
Then  are  they  glad  because  they  are  quiet ;  so  he  bringeth  them 
unto  their  desired  haven. 

Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  lovingkindness, 

and  for  his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men ! 


IReeponeive  IRea&inga  37 

SELECTION  30 

THE  MYSTEKY  OF  LIFE 

Job  xi,  xxxvii 

GAKST  thou  by  searching  find  out  God  ? 
Canst  thou  find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfection  ? 

It  is  high  as  heaven ;  what  canst  thou  do  ?  deeper  than  Sheol ; 
what  canst  thou  know  ? 

The  measure  thereof  is  longer  than  the  earth,  and  broader 
than  the  sea. 

God  thundereth  marvellously  with  his  voice ; 

Great  things  doeth  he,  which  we  cannot  comprehend. 

Stand  still,  and  consider  the  wondrous  works  of  God. 

Dost  thou  know  how  God  layeth  his  charge  upon  them,  and 
causeth  the  lightning  of  his  cloud  to  shine? 

Dost  thou  know  the  balancings  of  the  clouds,  the  wondrous  works 
of  him  who  is  perfect  in  knowledge  ? 

Canst  thou  with  him  spread  out  the  sky,  which  is  strong  as  a 
molten  mirror  ? 

Teach  us  what  we  shall  say  unto  him ; 

For  we  cannot  set  our  speech  in  order  by  reason  of  darkness. 

God  hath  upon  him  terrible  majesty.     Touching  the  Almighty,  we 
cannot  find  him  out : 

He  is  excellent  in  power;  and  in  justice  and  plenteous  right- 
eousness he  will  not  afflict. 

Proverbs  iii 

TRUST  in  the  Lord  with  all  thy  heart, 
And  lean  not  upon  thine  own  understanding: 

In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him,  and  he  will  direct  thy  paths. 

Then  shalt  thou  walk  in  thy  way  securely,  and  thy  foot  shall 
not  stumble. 

When  thou  liest  down,  thou  shalt  not  be  afraid : 

Yea,  thou  shalt  lie  down,  and  thy  sleep  shall  be  sweet. 

Be  not  afraid  of  sudden  fear,  neither  of   the  desolation  of  the 

wicked,  when  it  cometh  : 

For  the  Lord  will  be  thy  confidence,  and  will  keep  thy  foot 
from  being  taken. 


38  IReeponeive  IRea&ings 

SELECTION  31 


o 


THANKS  FOR  MATERIAL  BLESSINGS 

Psalm  cxxxvi 

GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ;  for  he  is  good  ;  for  his  loving- 
kindness  endureth  for  ever. 

To  him  who  alone  doeth  great  wonders ;  for  his  lovingkindness 
endureth  for  ever : 

To  him  that  by  understanding  made  the  heavens ;  for  his  loving- 
kindness  endureth  for  ever : 

To  him  that  spread  forth  the  earth  above  the  waters;  for  his 

lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever : 
To  him  that  made  great  lights ;  for  his  lovingkindness  endureth 
for  ever : 

The  sun  to  rule  by  day;  for  his  lovingkindness  endureth  for 

ever; 
The  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by  night ; 

For  his  lovingkindness  endureth  for  ever. 

Psalm  Ixv 

THOU  makest  the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening   to 
rejoice. 
Thou  visitest  the  earth,  and  waterest  it,  thou  greatly  enrichest 

it; 

The  river  of  God  is  full  of  water : 
Thou  providest  them  grain,  when  thou  hast  so  prepared  the 
earth. 

Thou  waterest  its  furrows  abundantly ;  thou  settlest  the  ridges 

thereof  :  thou  makest  it  soft  with  showers ; 

Thou   blessest  the   springing  thereof.     Thou   crownest  the 
year  with  thy  goodness ;  and  thy  paths  drop  fatness. 

They  drop  upon  the  pastures  of  the  wilderness ;  and  the  hills  are 
girded  with  joy. 

The  pastures  are  clothed  with  flocks;  the  valleys  also  are 
covered  over  with  grain;  they  shout  for  joy,  they  also  sing. 

Deuteronomy  xxxiii 

FOR  the  precious  things  of  heaven,  for  the  dew,  and  for  the  deep 
that  coucheth  beneath, 


IRcaponsive  1Rea&inG6  39 

And  for  the  precious  things  of  the  fruits  of  the  sun,  and  for 
the  precious  things  of  the  growth  of  the  moons, 

And  for  the  chief  things  of  the  ancient  mountains, 
And  for  the  precious  things  of  the  everlasting  hills, 

A  nd  for  the  precious  things  of  the  earth  and  the  fulness  thereof, 
Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

SELECTION  32 

THANKS  FOE  PUBLIC   BLESSINGS 

Psalm  cxlvii 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord ;  for  it  is  good  to  sing  praises  unto  our 
God; 

For  it  is  pleasant,  and  praise  is  comely. 
The  Lord  doth  build  up  Jerusalem;  he  gathereth  together  the 
outcasts  of  Israel. 

He  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and  bindeth  up  their  wounds. 
He  counteth  the  number  of  the  stars  ;  he  calleth  them  all  by  their 
names. 

Great  is  our  Lord,  and  mighty  in  power ;  his  understanding  is 

infinite. 
The  Lord  upholdeth  the  meek :  he  bringeth  the  wicked  down  to 
the  ground. 

Sing  unto  the  Lord  with  thanksgiving ; 

Sing  praises  upon  the  harp  unto  our  God, 

Who  covereth  the  heavens  with  clouds,  who  prepareth  rain  for 
the  earth. 

Who  maketh  grass  to  grow  upon  the  mountains. 

Praise  the  Lord,  O  Jerusalem ;  praise  thy  God,  O  Zion. 
For  he  hath  strengthened  the  bars  of  thy  gates ;  he  hath  blessed 
thy  children  within  thee. 

He  maketh  peace  in  thy  borders ;  he  filleth  thee  with  the  finest 

of  the  wheat. 
He  sendeth  out  his  commandment  upon  earth ;  his  word  runneth 
very  swiftly. 

He  giveth  snow  like  wool;  he  scattereth  the  hoar-frost  like 
ashes. 


40  IReeponeive  IReabinge 

He  casteth  forth  his  ice  like  morsels  :  who  can  stand  before  his 
cold? 

He  sendeth  out  his  word,  and  melteth  them:  he  causeth  his 
wind  to  blow,  and  the  waters  flow. 

He  showeth  his  word  unto  Jacob,  his  statutes  and  his  ordinances 
unto  Israel. 
He  hath  not  dealt  so  with  any  nation ;  praise  ye  the  Lord. 


SELECTION  33 

NATIONAL   THANKSGIYINO 

Psalm  cv 

OGIYE  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name  ; 
Make  known  among  the  peoples  his  doings. 
Sing  unto  him,  sing  praises  unto  him  ; 
Talk  ye  of  all  his  marvellous  works. 

Deuteronomy  viii 

FOR  the  Lord  thy  God  bringeth  thee  into  a  good  land,  a  land  of 
brooks  of  water,  of  fountains  and  springs,  flowing  forth  in  valleys 
and  hills ; 

A  land  of  wheat  and  barley,  and  vines  and  fig-trees  and  pome- 
granates ; 

A  land  of  olive  trees  and  honey ;  a  land  wherein  thou  shalt  eat 
bread  without  scarceness,  thou  shalt  not  lack  anything  in  it; 

A  land  whose  stones  are  iron,  and  out  of  whose  hills  thou 
mayest  dig  copper. 

And  thou  shalt  eat  and  be  full,  and  thou  shalt  bless  the  Lord  thy 
God 

For  the  good  land  which  he  hath  given  thee. 

Beware  lest  thou  forget  the  Lord  thy  God,  in  not  keeping  his 
commandments, 

Lest,  when  thou  hast  eaten  and  art  full,  and  hast  built  goodly 
houses,  and  dwelt  therein; 

And  when  thy  herds  and  thy  flocks  multiply,  and  thy  silver  and 
thy  gold  is  multiplied,  and  all  that  thou  hast  is  multiplied ; 
Then  thy  heart  be  lifted  up,  and  thou  forget  the  Lord  thy  God, 


IResponeive  IReaMnga  4i 

Lest  thoii  say  in  thy  heart,  My  power  and  the  might  of  my  hand 
hath  gotten  me  this  Avealth. 

But  thou  shalt  remember  the  Lord  thy  God,  for  it  is  he  that 
giveth  thee  power  to  get  wealth. 

I  Chronicles  xxix 

BLESSED  be  thou,  O  Lord,  our  Father,  for  ever  and  ever. 

Thine,  O  Lord,  is  the  greatness,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
and  the  victory,  and  the  majesty: 

For  all  that  is  in  the  heavens  and  in  the  earth  is  thine ; 

Thine  is  the  kingdom,  O  Lord,  and  thou  art  exalted  as  head 
above  all. 

Both  riches  and  honor  come  of  thee,  and  thou  rulest  over  all ; 

And  in  thy  hand  is  power  and  might ;  and  in  thy  hand  it  is  to 
make  great,  and  to  give  strength  unto  all. 

Now  therefore,  our  God,  we  thank  thee,  and  praise  thy  glorious 
name ; 

For  all  things  come  of  thee,  and  of  thine  own  have  we  given 
thee. 

SELECTION  34 

PRAYER   FOR   GODLINESS 

Psalm  li 

HAYE  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy  lovingkind- 
ness  : 

According  to  the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  blot  out  my 
transgressions. 

Wash  me  thorouglily  from  mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  me  from 
my  sin. 

For  I  know  my  transgressions;  and  my  sin  is  ever  before  me. 

Against  thee,  thee  only,  have  I  sinned,  and  done  that  which  is 
evil  in  thy  sight ; 

That  thou  mayest  be  justified  when  thou  speakest,  and  be 
clear  when  thou  judgest. 

Behold,   I   was  brought  forth  in  iniquity  ;   and  in  sin  did  my 
mother  conceive  me. 

Behold,  thou  desirest  truth  in  the  inward  parts ; 

And  in  the  hidden  part  thou  wilt  make  me  to  know  wisdom. 


42  lRe0pon0lve  IReabinge 

Purify  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean : 

Wash  me,  and  I  sliall  be  whiter  than  snow. 

Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness,  that  the  bones  which  thou 

hast  broken  may  rejoice. 
Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot  out  all  mine  iniquities. 

Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God;  and  renew  a  right  spirit 

within  me. 
Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence  ;  and  take  not  thy  holy 
Spirit  from  me. 

Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation;  and  uphold  me 

with  a  willing  spirit. 
Then  will  I  teach  transgressors  thy  ways ; 

And  sinners  shall  be  converted  unto  thee. 
Deliver    me    from   bloodguiltiness,   O   God,    thou   God  of   my 
salvation  ; 

And  my  tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteousness. 
O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lips ; 

And  my  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 
For  thou  delightest  not  in  sacrifice  ;  else  would  I  give  it ; 

Thou  hast  no  pleasure  in  burnt-offering. 
The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit : 

A  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

SELECTION  35 

DELIGHT   IN   THE   LAW   OF   THE   LORD 

Psalm  i 

BLESSED  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the 
wicked, 

Nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of 

scoffers : 
But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  ; 

And  on  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and  night. 
And  he  shall  be  like  a  tree  planted  by  the  streams  of  water, 

That  bringeth  forth  its  fruit  in  its  season. 
Whose  leaf  also  doth  not  wither;  and  whatsoever  he  doeth  shall 
prosper. 


IReaponeive  IReaMnga  43 

The   wicked  are  not  so,   but  are   like   the   chaff    which    the 
wind  driveth  away. 

Therefore  the  wicked  shall  not  stand  in  the  judgment,  nor  sinners 
in  the  congregation  of  the  righteous. 

For  the  Lord  knoweth  the  way  of  the  righteous ;  but  the  way 
of  the  wicked  shall  perish. 

Psalm  xix 

THE  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  restoring  the  soul : 

The  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple. 
The  precepts  of  the  Lord  are  right,  rejoicing  the  heart : 

The  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes. 
The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring  for  ever : 

The  ordinances  of  the  Lord  are  true,  and  righteous  altogether. 
More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than  much  fine  gold  ; 

Sweeter  also  than  honey  and  the  droppings  of  the  honeycomb. 
Moreover  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned :  in  keeping  them  there 
is  great  reward. 

Who  can  discern  his  errors?     Clear  thou  me  from  hidden 
faults. 

Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous  sins ;  let  them  not 
have  dominion  over  me : 

Then  shall  I  be  upright,  and  I  shall  be  clear  from  great  trans- 
gression. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart 

Be  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  my  rock,  and  my  redeemer. 

SELECTION  36 

THE  JOY  OF  OBEDIENCE 

Psalm  cxix 

LESSED  are  they  that  are  perfect  in  the  way,  who  walk  in 
the  law  of  the  Lord. 
Blessed  are  they  that  keep  his  testimonies,  that  seek  him  with 
the  whole  heart. 

Yea,  they  do  no  unrighteousness ;  they  walk  in  his  ways. 

Thou  hast  commanded  us  thy  precepts,  that  we  should  observe 
them  diligently. 


B 


44  IReeponeive  IReaMnge 

Oh  tbat  my  ways  were  established  to  observe  thy  statutes  I 

Then  shall  I  not  be  put  to  shame. 
Wherewith  shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his  way  ? 

By  taking  heed  thereto  according  to  thy  word. 
With  my  whole  heart  have  I  sought  thee  : 

Oh  let  me  not  wander  from  thy  commandments. 
Thy  word  have  I  laid  up  in  my  heart,   that  I  might  not  sin 
against  thee. 

Blessed  art  thou,  O  Lord :  Teach  me  thy  statutes. 
With  my  lips  have  I  declared  all  the  ordinances  of  thy  mouth. 

I  have  rejoiced  in  the  way  of  thy  testimonies,  as  much  as  in 

all  riches. 
I  will  meditate  on  thy  precepts,  and  have  respect  unto  thy  ways. 

I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statues :  I  will  not  forget  thy  word. 

Ezekiel  xviii 

I  WILL  judge  you ;  every  one  according  to  his  ways,  saith  the 
Lord. 

Return  ye,  and  turn  yourselves  from  all  your  transgressions ; 

so  iniquity  shall  not  be  your  ruin. 
Cast  away  from  you  all  your  transgressions,  wherein  ye  have 
transgressed ; 

And  make  you  a  new  heart  and  a  new  spirit :  for  why  will  ye  die ; 
For  I  have  no  pleasure  in  the  death  of  him  that  dieth,  saith  the 
Lord, 

Wherefore  turn  yourselves,  and  live. 

SELECTION  37 

THE   CONTEITE   HEART 

Ezra  ix 

OMY  God,  I  am  ashamed  and  blush  to  lift  up  my  face  to  thee, 
my  God ; 
For  our  iniquities  are  increased  over  our  head,  and  our  guilti- 
ness is  grown  up  unto  the  heavens. 
Since  the  days  of  our  fathers  we  have  been  exceeding  guilty  unto 
this  day 
For  we  are  bondmen;  yet  our  God  hath  not  forsaken  us  in  our 
bondage, 


IReeponaive  IReabmga  45 

But  hatli  extended  lovingkindness  unto  us. 

And  after  all  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our  evil  deeds,  and  for 

our  great  guilt, 
Seeing  that  thou  our  Grod  hast  punished  us  less  than  our  iniquities 
deserve, 

Shall  we  again  break  thy  commandments? 
O  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  thou  art  righteous ; 

Behold,  we  are  before  thee  in  our  guiltiness;  for  none  can 

stand  before  thee  because  of  this. 

Psalm  XXV 

UNTO  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul. 

O  my  God,  in  thee  have  I  trusted,  let  me  not  be  put  to  shame ; 
Show  me  thy  ways,  0  Lord ;  teach  me  thy  paths. 

Guide  me  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  me ;   for  thou  art  the  God  of 

my  salvation ; 
For  thee  do  I  wait  all  the  day.     Kemember,  0  Lord,  thy  tender 
mercies  and  thy  lovingkindnesses  ; 

For  they  have  been  ever  of  old. 
Remember  not  the  sins  of  my  youth,  nor  my  transgressions : 

According  to  thy  lovingkindness  remember  thou  me,  for  thy 

goodness*  sake,  O  Lord. 
Grood  and  upright  is  the  Lord ;  therefore  will  he  instruct  sinners 
in  the  way. 

The  meek  will  he  guide  in  justice ;  and  the  meek  will  he  teach 

his  way. 
All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  are  lovingkindness  and  truth 

Unto  such  as  keep  his  covenant  and  his  testimonies. 
For  thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord,  pardon  mine  iniquity,  for  it  is  great. 

Oh  keep  my  soul,  and  deliver  me : 
Let  me  not  be  put  to  shame,  for  I  take  refuge  in  thee. 

Let  integrity  and  uprightness  preserve  me,  for  I  wait  for  thee. 

SELECTION  38 

THE   JOY   OF   FOEGIYENESS 

Joel  ii 

ET  even   now,  saith   the  Lord,  turn  ye  unto  me  with  all 
your  heart. 


Y 


46  IRcBponeive  IReaMnge 

And  with  fasting,  and  with  weeping,  and  with  mourning : 

And  rend  your  heart,  and  not  your  garments,  and  turn  unto  the 
Lord  your  God  ; 

For  he  is  gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger,  and  abundant 
in  lovingkindness,  and  repenteth  him  of  the  evil. 

Blow  the  trumpet  in  Zion,  sanctify  a  fast,  call  a  solemn  assembly  ; 

Gather  the  people,  sanctify  the  assembly,  assemble  the  old 
men,  gather  the  children. 

Let  the  priests,  the  ministers  of  the  Lord,  weep  between  the  porch 
and  the  altar, 

And  let  them  say.  Spare  thy  people,  O  Lord,  and  give  not  thy 
heritage  to  reproach. 

Wherefore  should  they  say  among  the  peoples,  Where  is  their 
God? 

Then  was  the  Lord  jealous  for  his  land,  and  had  pity  on  his 

people. 

Psalm  xxxii 

BLESSED  is  he  whose   transgression  is  forgiven,  whose  sin  is 
covered. 

Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord  imputeth  not  in- 
iquity. 

And  in  whose  spirit  there  is  no  guile. 

When  I  kept  silence,  my  bones  wasted  away  through  my 
groaning  all  the  day  long. 

For  day  and  night  thy  hand  was  heavy  upon  me : 

My  moisture  was  changed  as  with  the  drought  of  summer. 

I  acknowledged  my  sin  unto  thee,  and  mine  iniquity  did  I  not 
hide: 

I  said,  I  will  confess  my  transgressions  unto  the  Lord ; 

And  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of  my  sin. 

Hosea  vi 

COME,  and  let  us  return  unto  the  Lord ;  for  he  hath  torn,  and 
he  will  heal  us ;  he  hath  smitten,  and  he  will  bind  us  up. 

SELECTION  39 

.      THE   JOY   OF   SALVATION 

Romans  viii 

^HERE  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  that  are  in 
Christ  Jesus. 


TReeponeivjc  IRea^inge  47 

For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  made  me  free 
from  the  law  of  sin  and  of  death. 

For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the 
flesh, 

God,  sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh  and 

for  sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh : 
That  the  ordinance  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us.  who  walk 
not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 

For  they  that  are  after  the  flesh  mind  the  things  of  the  flesh ; 
But  they  that  are  after  the  Spirit  the  things  of  the  Spirit. 

For  the  mind  of  the  flesh  is  death ;  but  the  mind  of  the  Spirit 

is  life  and  peace : 
Because  the  mind  of  the  flesh  is  enmity  against  God  ; 

For  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God, neither  indeed  can  it  be : 
And  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God. 

But  ye  are  not  in  the  flesh  but  in  the  Spirit,  if  so  be  that  the 

Spirit  of  God  dwelleth  in  you. 
But  if  any  man  hath  not  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his. 

And  if  Christ  is  in  you,  the  body  is  dead  because  of  sin;  but 

the  spirit  is  life  because  of  righteousness. 
But   if   the  Spirit  of   him  that  raised   up  Jesus  from  the  dead 
dwelleth  in  you, 

He  that  raised  up  Christ  Jesus  from  the  dead  shall  give  life  also 

to  your  mortal  bodies  through  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you. 
So  then,  brethren,  we  are  debtors,  not  to  the  flesh,  to  live  after 
the  flesh : 

For  if  ye  live  after  the  flesh,  ye  must  die ;  but  if  by  the  Spirit 

ye  put  to  death  the  deeds  of  the  body,  ye  shall  live. 
For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  these  are  sons  of  God. 

For  ye  received  not  the  spirit  of  bondage  again  unto  fear ; 
But  ye  received  the  spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba, 
Father. 

The  Spirit  himself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirit,  that  we  are 

children  of  God : 
And  if  children,  then  heirs ;  heirs  of  God,  and  joint-heirs  with 
Christ ; 

If  so  be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  also  glorified 

with  him. 


48  IResponeive  IReabings 

SELECTION  40 

GRATITUDE   TO   CHRIST 

Ephesians  i,  ii 

BLESSED  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
hath  blessed  us  with  every  spiritual  blessing  in  the  heavenly 
places  in  Christ : 

Even  as  he  chose  us  in  him  before  the  foundation  of  the  world, 

That  we  should  be  holy  and  without  blemish  before  him  in  love : 

Having  foreordained  us  unto  adoption  as  sons  through  Jesus 
Christ  unto  himself, 

According  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  to  the  praise  of  the 
glory  of  his  grace,  which  he  fully  bestowed  on  us  in  the  Beloved : 

In  whom  we  have  our  redemption  through  his  blood,  the  for- 
giveness of  our  trespasses ! 
God,  being  rich  in  mercy,  for  his  great  love  wherewith  he  loved  us, 

Even  when  we  were  dead  through  our  trespasses, 
Made  us  alive  together  with  Christ  (by  grace  luive  ye  been  saved). 

And  raised  us  up  with  him,  and  made  us  to  sit  with  him  in  the 

heavenly  places,  in  Christ  Jesus : 
That  in  the  ages  to  come  he  might  show  the  exceeding  riches  of 
his  grace  in  kindness  toward  us  in  Clirist  Jesus  : 

For  by  grace  have  ye  been  saved  through  faith ;  and  that  not 

of  yourselves,  it  is  the  gift  of  God ; 
Not  of  works,  that  no  man  should  glory.     For  we  are  his  work- 
manship, 

Created  in  Christ  Jesus  for  good  works,  which  God  afore 
prepared  that  we  should  walk  in  them. 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all 
that  we  ask  or  think,  according  to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us. 

Unto  him  be  the  glory  in  the  church  arid  in  Christ  Jesus  unto 

all  generations  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

SELECTION  41 

THE  RIGHTEOUS  AND  THE  WICKED 

Psalm  xxxvii 

TTRET  not  thyself  because  of  evil-doers, 

^       Neither  be  thou  envious  against  them  that  work  unright- 
eousness. 


IResponeive  IReabinQS  49 

For  they  shall  soon  be  cut  down  like  the  grass,  and  wither  as  the 
green  herb. 

Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good ; 
Dwell  in  the  land,  and  feed  on  his  faithfulness. 

Delight  thyself  also  in  the  Lord;  and  he  will  give  thee  the 

desires  of  thy  heart. 
Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord ;  trust  also  in  him,  and  he  will 
bring  it  to  pass. 

And  he  will  make  thy  righteousness  to  go  forth  as  the  light, 
And  thy  justice  as  the  noonday. 

Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently  for  him : 
Fret  not  thyself  because  of  him  who  prospereth  in  his  way. 

Because  of  the  man  who  bringeth  wicked  devices  to  pass. 
Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath  : 

Fret  not  thyself,  it  tendeth  only  to  evil-doing.     For  evil-doers 

shall  be  cut  off; 
But  those  that  wait  for  the  Lord,  they  shall  inherit  the  land. 

For  yet  a  little  while,  and  the  wicked  shall  not  be : 
Yea,  thou  shalt  dili,Li-ently  consider  his  place,  and  he  shall  not  be. 

But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  land,  and  shall  delight  them- 
selves in  the  abundance  of  peace. 
Better  is  a  little  that  the  righteous  hath  than  the  abundance  of 
many  wicked. 

A  man's  goings  are  established  of  the  Lord ;  and  he  delighteth 

in  his  way. 
Though  he  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly  cast  down ; 

For  the  Lord  upholdeth  him  with  his  hand. 
I  have  seen  the  wicked  in  great  power,  and  spreading  himself  like 
a  green  tree  in  its  native  soil. 

But  one  passed  by,  and,  lo,  he  was  not:  yea,  I  sought  him, 

but  he  could  not  be  found. 
Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  tlie  upright; 

For  there  is  a  happy  end  to  the  man  of  peace. 
As  for  transgressors,  they  shall  be  destroyed  together :  the  end  of 
the  wicked  shall  be  cut  off. 

But  the  salvation  of  the  righteous  is  of  the  Lord:  he  is  their 

stronghold  in  the  time  of  trouble. 


50  1i?e6pon0ive  IReabinge 

And  the  Lord  helpetli  them,  and  rescueth  them : 

He  rescueth  them  from  the  wicked,  and  saveth  them,  because 
they  have  taken  refuge  in  him. 

SELECTION  42 

THE  GREATNESS  OF  LOVE 

I  John  iv 

BELOYED,  let  us  love  one  another :  for  love  is  of  God 
And    every  one    that    loveth    is   begotten   of   God   and 

knoweth  God. 
He  that  loveth  not  knoweth  not  God  ;  for  God  is  love. 

Herein  was  the  love  of  God  manifested  in  us, 
That  God  hath  sent  his  only  begotten  Son  into  the  world  that  we 
might  live  througli  him. 

Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he  loved  us, 
And  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for  our  sins. 

Beloved,  if  God  so  loved  us,  we  also  ought  to  love  one  another. 
No  man  hath  beheld  God  at  any  time  : 

If  we  love  one  another,  God  abideth  in  us,  and  his  love  is 

perfected  in  us  : 
God  is  love ;  and  he  that  abideth  in  love  abideth  in  God,  and  God 
abideth  in  him. 

If  a  man  say,  I  love  God,  and  hateth  his  brother,  he  is  a  liar: 
For  he  that  loveth  not  his  brother  whom  he  hath  seen,  cannot  love 
God  whom  he  hath  not  seen. 

And  this  commandment  have   we  from  him,  that  he   who. 

loveth  God  love  his  brother  also. 

I  Corinthians  xiii 

IF  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels,  and  have  not 
love, 

I  am  become  sounding  brass,  or  a  clanging  cymbal. 
And  if  I  have  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  know  all  mysteries  and  all 
knowledge ; 

And  if  I  have  all  faith,  so  as  to  remove  mountains,  but  have 

not  love,  I  am  nothing. 
And  if  I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed  the  poor, 


IReeponeive  IReabinge  5i 

And  if  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  but  have  not  love,  it 
profiteth  me  notWng. 

Love  suffereth  long,  and  is  kind  ;  love  envieth  not ;  love  vaunteth 
not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up, 

Doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  its  own,  is  not 
provoked,  taketh  not  account  of  evil; 

Eejoiceth  not  in  unrighteousness,  but  rejoiceth  with  the  truth ; 

Beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things, 
endureth  all  things. 

Love  never  faileth  :  but  whether  there  be  prophecies,  they  shall 
be  done  away; 

Whether  there  be  tongues,  they  shall  cease;  whether  there  be 

knowledge,  it  shall  be  done  away. 
For  we  know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part ;  but  when  that 
which  is  perfect  is  come,  that  which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away. 

When  I  was  a  child,  I  spake  as  a  child,  I  felt  as  a  child,  I 

thought  as  a  child : 
Now  that  I  am  become  a  man,  I  have  put  away  childish  things. 

For  now  we  see  in  a  mirror,  darkly ;  but  then  face  to  face : 
Now  I  know  in  part ;  but  then  shall  I  know  fully  even  as  also  I 
was  fully  known. 

But  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  love,  these  three;  and  the  great- 
est of  these  is  love. 

SELECTION  43 

FATHEEHOOD  AND  BEOTHERHOOD 

Isaiah  Ixiii 

1WILL  make  mention  of  the  lovingkindnesses  of  the  Lord,  and 
the  praises  of  the  Lord. 
According  to  all  that  the  Lord  hath  bestowed  on  us. 
And  the  great  goodness  toward  the  house  of  Israel,  which  he  hath 
bestowed  on  them 
According  to  his  mercies,  and  according  to  the  multitude  of 
his  lovingkindnesses. 
For  he  said,  Surely,  they  are  my  people,  children  that  will  not 
deal  falsely  :  so  he  was  their  Saviour. 


52  IReaponeive  IReabinge 

In  all  their  affliction  he  was  afflicted,  and  the  angel  of  his 
presence  saved  them: 

In  his  love  and  in  his  pitj  lie  redeemed  them ; 
And  he  bare  them,  and  carried  them  all  the  days  of  old. 

For  thoa  art  our  Father,  though  Abraham  knoweth  us  not,  and 

Israel  doth  not  acknowledge  us  ; 
Thou,  O  Lord,  art  our  Father;  our  Redeemer  from  ever- 
lasting is  thy  name. 

I  John  iii 

BEHOLD  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bestowed  upon 
us, 

That  we  should  be  called  children  of  God; 
Beloved,  now  are  we  children  of  God,  and  it  is  not  yet  made 
manifest  what  we  shall  be. 

We  know  that,  if  he  shall  be  manifested,  we  shall  be  like  him ; 
For  we  shall  see  him  even  as  he  is. 

And  every  one  that  hath  this  hope  set  on  him  purifieth  himself, 

even  as  he  is  pure. 
In  this  the  children  of  God  are  manifest,  and  the  children  of  the 
devil : 

Whosoever  doeth  not  righteousness  is  not  of  God,  neither 

he  that  loveth  not  his  brother. 
For  this  is  the  message  which  ye   heard   from  the  beginning, 
that  we  should  love  one  another : 

We  know  that  we  have  passed  out  of  death  into  life,  because 

we  love  the  brethren. 
He  that  loveth  not  abideth  in  death.      Whosoever   hateth  his 
brother  is  a  murderer ; 

And  ye  know  that  no  murderer  hath  eternal  life  abiding  in 

him. 
Hereby  know  we  love,  because  he  laid  down  his  life  for  us  :  and 
we  ought  to  lay  down  our  lives  for  the  brethren. 

But  whoso  hath  the  world's  goods,  and  beholdeth  his  brother 

in  need, 
And  shutteth  up  his  compassion  from  him,  how  doth  the  love  of 
God  abide  in  him  ? 

My  little  children,  let  us  not  love  in  word,  neither  with  the 

tongue;  but  in  deed  and  truth. 


I^eeponeive  TReabinge  53 

And  this  is  his  commandment, 

That  we  should  believe  in  the  name  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
and  love  one  another. 


SELECTION  44 

THE  DUTY  OF  BROTHEELY  LOYE 

Isaiah  Iviii 

CRY  aloud,  spare  not,  lift  up  thy  voice  like  a  trumpet, 
And  declare  unto  my  people  their  transgression,  and  to 
the  house  of  Jacob  their  sins. 

Wherefore  have  we  fasted,  sav  they,  and  thou  seest  not? 

Wherefore  have  we  afflicted  our  soul,  and  thou  takest  no 

knowledge? 
Is  such  the  fast  that  I  have  chosen  ?     Is  it  to  bow  down  his  head 
as  a  rush,  and  to  spread  sackcloth  and  ashes  under  him  ? 

Wilt  thou  call  this  a  fast,  and  an  acceptable  day  to  the  Lord? 
Is  not  this  the  fast  that  I  have  chosen  :  to  loose  the  bonds  of 
wickedness, 

To  undo  the  bands  of  the  yoke,  and  to  let  the  oppressed  go 
free,  and  that  ye  break  every  yoke? 

Is  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the  hungry,  and  that  thou  bring 
the  poor  that  are  cast  out  to  thy  house  ? 

When  thou  seest  the  naked,  that  thou  cover  him;  and  that 
thou  hide  not  thyself  from  thine  own  flesh? 

Then  shall  thy  light  break  forth  as  the  morning,  and  thy  healing 
shall  spring  forth  speedily ; 

And  thy  righteousness  shall  go  before  thee;  the  glory  of  the 
Lord  shall  be  thy  rearward. 

Then  shalt  thou  call,  and  the  Lord  will  answer ; 

Thou  shalt  cry,  and  he  will  say.  Here  I  am. 

Job  xxxi 

IF  I  have  withheld  the  poor  from  their  desire,  or  have  caused  the 
eyes  of  the  widow  to  fail, 

Or  have  eaten  my  morsel  alone,  and  the  fatherless  hath  not 
eateii  thereof. 


54  IResponaive  IReaMng^J 

If  I  have  seen  any  perish  for  want  of  clothing,  or  that  the  needy 
had  no  covering  ; 

If  his  loins  have  not  blessed  me,  and  if  he  hath  not  been 

warmed  with  the  fleece  of  my  sheep ; 
If  I  have  lifted  up  my  hand  against  the  fatherless,  because  I  saw 
my  help  in  the  gate  : 

Then  let  my  shoulder  fall  from  the  shoulder-blade,  and  mine 

arm  be  broken  from  the  bone. 

James  i 

PURE  religion  and  undefiled  before  our  God  and  Father  is  this. 
To  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in  their  aflliction,  and  to 
keep  oneself  unspotted  from  the  world. 

SELECTION  45 

PRAYER  FOR  SOCIAL  JUSTICE 

Psalm  X 

WHY  standest  thou  afar  off,  O  Lord  ? 
In  the  pride  of  the  wicked  the  poor  is  hotly  pursued; 
For  the  wicked  boasteth  of  his  heart's  desire,  and  the  covetous 
renounceth,  yea,  contemneth  the  Lord. 

The  wicked,  in  the  pride  of  his  countenance,  saith.  He  will 

not  require  it.     All  his  thoughts  are,  There  is  no  God. 
He  sitteth  in  the  lurking-places  of  the  villages  ;  in  the  secret  places 
doth  he  murder  the  innocent ; 

His  eyes  are  privily  set  against  the  helpless. 
He  lurketh  in  secret  as  a  lion  in  his  covert ;  he  lieth  in  wait  to 
catch  the  poor : 

He  doth  catch  the  poor,  when  he  draweth  him  in  his  net. 
He  saith  in  his  heart :  God  hath  forgotten,  he  hideth  his  face,  he 
will  never  see  it. 

Arise,  O  Lord ;  O  God,  lift  up  thy  hand :  Forget  not  the  poor. 

Psalm  ix 

I  WILL  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  with  my  whole  heart ;  I  will 
show  forth  all  thy  marvellous  works. 

I  will  be  glad  and  exult  in  thee ;  I  will  sing  praise  to  thy  name, 

O  thou  Most  High. 


IReeponaivc  IRcabings  55 

When  mine  enemies  turn  back,  they  stumble  and  perish  at  thy 
presence. 

For  thou  hast  maintained  my  right  and  my  cause ; 
Thou  sittest  in  the  throne  judging  rigliteously. 

The  Lord  also  will  be  a  high  tower  for  the  oppressed,  a  high 

tower  in  times  of  trouble ; 
And  they  that  know  thy  name  will  put  their  trust  in  thee ; 

For  thou,  O  Lord,  hast  not  forsaken  them  that  seek  thee. 
Sing  praises  to  the  Lord,  who  dwelleth  in  Zion : 

Declare  among  the  people  his  doings. 
For  he  that  maketh  inquisition  for  blood  remembereth  them  ; 

He  forgetteth  not  the  cry  of  the  poor. 


SELECTION  46 

SOCIAL  SIN  AND  PENITENCE 


o 


Psalm  XV 

LORD  who  shall  sojourn  in  thy  tabernacle  ?     Who  shall 
dwell  in  thy  holy  hill  ? 

He  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  worketh  righteousness,  and 
speaketh  truth  in  his  heart ; 

He  that  slandereth  not  with  his  tongue,  nor  doeth  evil  to  his  friend, 
Nor  taketh  up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbor ; 

In  whose  eyes  a  reprobate  is  despised,  but  who  honoreth  them 

that  fear  the  Lord  ; 

He  that  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  not ; 

He  that  putteth  not  out  his  money  to  interest,  nor  taketh  reward 

ao-ainst  the  innocent. 

o 

He  that  doeth  these  things  shall  never  be  moved. 

Daniel  ix 

O  LORD,  our  God,  we  have  sinned,  we  have  done  wickedly. 
O  Lord,  according  to  all  thy  righteousness,  let  thine  anger 
and  thy  wrath,  I  pray  thee,  be  turned  away  from  thy  city ; 

Because  for  our  sins,  and  for  the  iniquities  of  our  fathers. 

Thy  people  are  become  a  reproach  to  all  that  are  round  about 
us. 


I 


56  IResponeive  IReabinge 

Now  therefore,  0  our  God,  hearken  unto  the  prayer  of  thy  servant, 
and  to  his  supplications, 
And  cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  sanctuary  that  is  deso- 
late, for  the  Lord's  sake. 
0  my  God,  incline  thine  ear,  and  hear ; 
Open  thine  eyes,  and  behold  our  desolations,  and  the  city 
which  is  called  by  thy  name : 
For  we  do  not  present  our  supplications  before  thee  for  our  right- 
eousnesses. 
But  for  thy  great  mercies'  sake. 

0  Lord,  hear;  0  Lord,  forgive;  O  Lord,  hearken  and  do;  defer  not, 
For  thine  own  sake,  O  my  God,  because  thy  city  and  thy 
people  are  called  by  thy  name. 

SELECTION  47 

NATIONAL  PENITENCE 

Rosea  iv 

HEAR  the  v/ord  of  the  Lord,  ye  children  of  Israel ;  for  the 
Lord  hath  a  controversy  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  land, 
Because  there  is  no  truth,  nor  goodness,  nor  knowledge  of 
God  in  the  land. 
There  is  nought  but  swearing  and  breaking  faith. 
And  killing,  and  stealing,  and  committing  adultery. 

Amos  V 

FORASMUCH  therefore  as  ye  trample  upon  the  poor,  and  take 
exactions  from  him  of  wheat : 

Ye  have  built  houses  of  hewn  stone,  but  ye  shall  not  dwell  in 

them; 
Ye  have  planted  pleasant  vineyards,  but  ye  shall  not  drink  the 
wine  thereof. 

For  I  know  how  manifold  are  your  transgressions,  and  how 

mighty  are  your  sins — 
Ye  that  afHict  the  just,  that  take  a  bribe, 

And  that  turn  aside  the  needy  in  the  gate  from  their  right. 

1  hate,  I  despise  your  feasts,  and  I  will  take  no  delight  in  your 
solemn  assemblies. 

Yea,   though   ye    offer  me   your  burnt-offerings   and   meat- 
offerings, I  will  not  accept  them ; 


IReeponeive  IReabinge  67 

[N'either  will  I  regard  the  peace-offerings  of  your  fat  beasts. 
Take  thou  away  from  me  the  noise  of  thy  songs ; 

For  I  will  not  hear  the  melody  of  thy  viols. 

But  let  justice  roll  down  as  waters,  and  righteousness  as  a 
mighty  stream. 

Psalm  Ixxix 

KEMEMBER  not  against  us  the  iniquities  of  our  forefathers : 

Let  thy  tender  mercies  speedily  meet  us;  for  we  are  brought 
very  low. 

Help  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  for  the  glory  of  thy  name ; 

And  deliver  us,  and  forgive  our  sins,  for  thy  name's  sake. 

So  we  thy  people  and  sheep  of  thy  pasture 

Will  give  thee  thanks  for  ever ;  we  will  show  forth  thy  praise 
to  all  generations. 

SELECTION  48 

TRUE  RELIGION 

Jeremiah  vii 

THUS  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the  God  of  Israel, 
Amend  your  ways  and  your  doings,  and  I  will  cause  you 
to  dwell  in  this  place. 

Trust  ye  not  in  lying  words,  saying.  The  temple  of  the  Lord,  the 
temple  of  the  Lord,  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  are  these. 

For  if  ye  thoroughly  amend  your  ways  and  your  doings ; 
If  ye  thoroughly  execute  justice  between  a  man  and  his  neighbor; 

If  ye  oppress  not  the  sojourner,  the  fatherless,  and  the  widow, 

and  shed  not  innocent  blood. 
Neither  walk  after  other  gods  to  your  own  hurt: 

Then  will  I  cause  you  to  dwell  in  the  land  that  I  gave  to  your 
fathers,  even  for  evermore. 

Behold,  ye  trust  in  lying  words,  that  cannot  profit. 

Will  ye  steal,  murder,  and  commit  adultery,  and  swear  falsely, 
and  burn  incense  unto  Baal, 

xind  walk  after  other  gods  that  ye  have  not  known. 

And  come  and  stand  before  me  in  this  house,  which  is  called 
by  my  name,  and  say.  We  are  delivered  ? 

Is  this  house,  which  is  called  by  my  name,  become   a  den  of 
robbers  in  your  eyes  ? 


58  IResponeive  IReabing^ 

Behold,  I,  even  I,  have  seen  it,  saith  the  Lord. 

Isaiah  i 

WHAT  unto  me  is  the  multitude  of  your  sacrifices  ?  saith  the 
Lord: 

I  have  had  enough  of  the  burnt-ofiferings  of  rams,  and  the  fat 

of  fed  beasts ; 
And  I  delight  not  in  the  blood  of  bullocks,  or  of  lambs,  or  of 
he -goats. 

When  ye  come  to  appear  before  me,  who  hath  required  this 

at  your  hand,  to  trample  my  courts  ? 
Bring  no  more  vain  oblations ;  incense  is  an  abomination  unto  me ; 

New  moon  and  sabbath,  the  calling  of  assemblies, — I  cannot 

away  with  iniquity  and  the  solemn  meeting. 
Your  new  moons  and  your  appointed  feasts  my  soul  hateth ; 

They  are  a  trouble  unto  me ;  I  am  weary  of  bearing  them. 
And  when  ye  spread  forth  your  hands,  I  will  hide  mine  eyes  from 
you; 

Yea,  when  ye  make  many  prayers,  I  will  not  hear : 
Your  hands  are  full  of  blood. 

Wash  you,  make  you  clean;  put  away  the  evil  of  your  doings 

from  before  mine  eyes ; 
Cease  to  do  evil ;   learn   to  do  well ;  seek  justice,  relieve  the  op- 
pressed. 

Judge  the  fatherless,  plead  for  the  widow. 
Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  together,  saith  the  Lord :  though 
your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snovv^ ; 

Though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool. 

SELECTION  49 

PRAYER  FOR  THE  PEOPLE    ^^ 

Isaiah  Ixii 

FOR  Zion's  sake  will  I  not  hold  my  peace,  and  for  Jerusalem's 
sake  I  will  not  rest. 
Until  her  righteousness  go  forth  as  brightness,  and  her  sal- 
vation as  a  lamp  that  burneth. 

And  the  nations  shall  see  thy  righteousness,  and  all  kings  thy 
glory; 


1Re6pon0i\)e  IReaMnge  59 

And  thou  shalt  be  called  by  a  new  name,  which  the  mouth  of 
the  Lord  shall  name. 

Thou  shalt  also  be  a  crown  of  beauty  in  the  hand  of  the  Lord, 

And  a  royal  diadem  in  the  hand  of  thy  God. 
I  have  set  watchmen  upon  thy  walls,  O  Jerusalem ; 

They  shall  never  hold  their  peace  day  nor  night : 
Ye  that  are  the  Lord's  remembrancers,  take  ye  no  rest,  and  give 
him  no  rest, 

Till  he  establish,  and  till  he  make  Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the 

earth. 
Go  through,   go  through  the  gates ;  prepare  ye  the  way  of  the 
people ; 

Cast  up,  cast  up  the  highway;  gather  out  the  stones;  lift  up 
an  ensign  for  the  peoples. 

Behold,  the  Lord  hath  proclaimed  unto  the  end  of  the  earth, 

Say  ye  to  the  daughter  of  Zion,  Behold,  thy  salvation  cometh ! 

Psaltn  Ixvii 

GOD  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us,  and  cause  his  face  to 
shine  upon  us ; 

That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth,  thy  salvation  among 

all  nations. 
Let  the  peoples  praise  thee,  0  God  ;  let  all  the  peoples  praise  thee. 

Oh  let  the  nations  be  glad  and  sing  for  joy; 
For  thou  wilt  judge  the  peoples  with  equity,  and  govern  the 
nations  U2)on  earth. 

Let  the  peoples  praise  thee,  O  God;  let  all  the  peoples  praise 
thee. 

The  earth  hath  yielded  its  increase  : 

God,  even  our  own  God,  will  bless  us. 
God  will  bless  us ; 

And  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  shall  fear  him. 

SELECTION  50  ^^ 

THE  GLORIOUS  FUTURE 

Isaiah  zliii 

UT  now  thus  saith  the  Lord  that  created  thee,  0  Jacob,  and 
he  that  formed  thee,  O  Israel : 


B 


60  IReeponeive  TReaMnge 

Fear  not,  for  I  have  redeemed  thee ;  I  have  called  thee  by  thy 
name,  thou  art  mine. 

When  thou  passest  through  the  waters,  I  will  be  with  thee ; 

And  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee : 
When  thou  walkest  through  the  fire,  thou  shalt  not  be  burned, 
neither  shall  the  flame  kindle  upon  thee. 

For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  the  Holy  One  of  Israel,  thy  Saviour. 

Isaiah  liv 

FOR  a  small  moment  have  I  forsaken  thee ;  but  with  great  mercies 
will  I  gather  thee. 

In  overflowing  wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a  moment ; 
But  with  everlasting  lovingkindness  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee, 
saith  the  Lord  thy  Redeemer. 

For  this  is  as  the  waters  of  Noah  unto  me ; 
For  as  I  have  sworn  that  the  waters  of  Noah  shall  no  more  go 
over  the  earth, 

So  have  I  sworn  that  I  will  not  be  wroth  with  thee,  nor  rebuke 

thee. 
For  the  mountains  may  depart,  and  the  hills  be  removed ; 

But  my  lovingkindness  shall  not  depart  from  thee,  neither 
shall  my  covenant  of  peace  be  removed,  saith  the  Lord  that 
hath  mercy  on  thee. 

O  thou  afilicted,  tossed  with  tempest,  and  not  comforted, 
Behold,  I  will  set  thy  stones  in  fair  colors,  and  lay  thy  foun- 
dations with  sapphires. 

And  T  will  make  thy  pinnacles  of  rubies,  and  thy  gates  of  car- 
buncles, and  all  thy  border  of  precious  stones. 

And  all  thy  children  shall  be  taught  of  the  Lord;  and  great 
shall  be  the  peace  of  thy  children. 

Enlarge  the  place  of  thy  tent,  and  let  them  stretch  forth  the  cur- 
tains of  thy  habitations ; 
Spare  not :  lengthen  thy  cords,  and  strengthen  thy  stakes. 

For  thou  shalt  spread  abroad  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left ; 

And  thy  seed  shall  possess  the  nations,  and  make  the  desolate 
cities  to  be  inhabited. 

For  thy  Maker  is  thy  husband  ;  the  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name : 
and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  is  thy  Redeemer  ; 
The  God  of  the  whole  earth  shall  he  be  called. 


IRceponsive  IRea&inga  61 

SELECTION  51 

GOD'S  CERTAm  VICTORY 

Isaiah  lii 

AWAKE,  awake,  put  on  thy  strength,  O  Zion ;  put  on  thy 
beautiful  garments,  O  Jerusalem,  the  holy  city  : 

For  henceforth  there  shall  no  more  come  into  thee  the  uncir- 
cumcised  and  the  unclean. 

Shake  thyself  from  the  dust ;  arise,  sit  on  thy  throne,  O  Jerusalem  : 

Loose  thyself  from  the  bonds  of  thy  neck,  O  captive  daughter 
of  Zion. 

How  beautiful  upon  the   mountains   are   the  feet  of   him  that 
bringeth  good  tidings,  that  publisheth  peace. 

That  bringeth  good  tidings  of  good,  that  pubHsheth  salvation, 
that  saith  unto  Zion,  Thy  God  reigneth ! 

The  voice  of  thy  watchmen !  they  lift  up  the  voice,  together  do 
they  sing ; 
For  they  shall  see  eye  to  eye,  when  the  Lord  returneth  to  Zion. 

Break  forth  into  joy,  sing  together,  ye  waste  places  of  Jerusalem ; 

For  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  he  hath  redeemed 
Jerusalem. 

The  Lord  hath  made  bare  his  holy  arm  in  the  eyes  of  all  the 
nations ; 

And  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen  the  salvation  of  our 

God. 

Psalm  xxiv 

L1¥T  up  your  heads,  0  ye  gates  ; 

And  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  everlasting  doors: 
And  the  King  of  glory  will  come  in. 

Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ? 
The  Lord  strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord  mighty  in  battle. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates ; 
Yea,  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting  doors : 

And  the  King  of  glory  will  come  in. 
Who  is  this  King  of  glory  ? 

The  Lord  of  hosts,  he  is  the  King  of  glory. 


62  IReaponsive  IReaMnga 

SELECTION  52 

THE  HOPE  OF  THE  KINGDOM 

Isaiah  li 

ATTEND   unto   me,  0  mj  people;  and  give  ear  unto  me, 
O  my  nation  : 

For  a  law  shall  go  forth  from  me,  and  I  will  establish  my  jus- 
tice for  a  light  of  the  peoples. 

My  righteousness  is  near,  my  salvation  is  gone  forth,  and  mine 
arms  shall  judge  the  peoples ; 
The  isles  shall  wait  for  me,  and  on  mine  arm  shall  they  trust. 

Lift  up  your  eyes  to  the  heavens,  and  look  upon  the  earth  be- 
neath ; 

For  the  heavens  shall  vanish  away  like  smoke,  and  the  earth 
shall  wax  old  like  a  garment ; 

And  they  that  dwell  therein  shall  die  in  like  manner : 

But  my  salvation  shall  be  for  ever,  and  my  righteousness  shall 

not  be  abolished. 
Hearken  unto  me,  ye  that  know  righteousness,  the  people  in 
whose  heart  is  my  law ; 

Fear  ye  not  the  reproach  of  men,  neither  be  ye  dismayed  at 

their  revilings. 
For  the  moth  shall  eat  them  up  like  a  garment,  and  the  worm 
shall  eat  them  like  wool ; 

But  my  righteousness  shall  be  for  ever,  and  my  salvation  unto 

all  generations. 
Awake,  awake,  put  on  strength,  O  arm  of  the  Lord ; 

Awake,  as  in  the  days  of  old,  the  generations  of  ancient  times. 
And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  with  sing- 
ing unto  Zion ; 

And  everlasting  joy  shall  be  upon  their  heads : 
They  shall  obtain  gladness  and  joy  ;  and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall 
flee  away. 

I,  even  I,  am  he  that  comf orteth  you :  who  art  thou,  that  thou 
art  afraid  of  man  that  shall  die, 

And  of  the  son  of  man  that  shall  be  made  as  grass ; 
And  hast  forgotten  the  Lord  thy  Maker,  that  stretched  forth 
the  heavens,  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth; 


IReaponelve  IReaMnge  63 

And  fearest  continually  all  the  day  because  of  the  fury  of  thr 
oppressor, 

And  where  is  the  fury  of  the  oppressor? 
The  captive  exile  shall  speedily  be  loosed ;  and  he  shall  not  die 
and  go  down  into  the  pit,  neither  shall  his  bread  fail. 

For  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  who  stirreth  up  the  sea,  so  that 

the  waves  thereof  roar : 
The  Lord  of  hosts  is  his  name. 

And  I  have  put  my  words  in  thy  mouth,  and  have  covered 

thee  in  the  shadow  of  my  hand, 
That  I  may  plant  the  heavens,  and  lay  the  foundations  of  the 
earth, 

And  say  unto  Zion,  Thou  art  my  people. 

SELECTION  53 

THE  WORLD-WIDE  GOSPEL 

Psalm  cxiii 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.     Praise,  0  ye  servants  of  the  Lord. 
Praise  the  name   of  the  Lord.     Blessed  be  the  name  of 

the  Lord 
From  this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 

From  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  going  down  of  the  same 

the  Lord*s  name  is  to  be  praised. 
The  Lord  is  high  above  all  nations,  and  his  glory  above  the 
heavens. 

Who  is  Hke  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  that  hath  his  seat  on  high, 
That  humbleth  himself  to  behold  the  things  that  are  in  heaven 
and  in  the  earth? 

He  raiseth  up  the  poor  out  of  the  dust, 
And  lifteth  up  the  needy  from  the  dunghill ;  that  he  may  set  him 
with  princes. 

Even  with  the  princes  of  his  people. 

Isaiah  ii 

AND  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  latter  days,  that  the  mountain  of 
tlie  Lord's  house  shall  be  established  on  the  top  of  the  mountains, 

And  shall  be  exalted  above  the  hills;  and  all  nations  shall 

flow  unto  it. 


64  IResponaive  IReabinge 

And  many  peoples  shall  go  and  say,  Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to 
the  mountain  of  the  Lord ; 

And  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  his  paths : 
And  he  will  jndge  between  the  nations,  and  will  decide  concern- 
ing many  peoples ; 

And  they  shall  beat  their  swords  into  plowshares,  and  their 

spears  into  pruning-hooks ; 
Nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against  nation, 

Neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more. 

Psalm  cxvii 

OH  praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations  ; 

Laud  him,  all  ye  peoples. 
For  his  lovingkindness  is  great  toward  us  ; 

And  the  truth  of  the  Lord  endureth  for  ever.     Praise  ye  the 

Lord. 

SELECTION  54 

THE  GEEAT  MISSION 

Isaiah  Ix 

THE  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me ;  because  the  Lord  hath 
anointed  me  to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek  ; 

He  hath  sent  me  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted. 
To  proclaim  liberty  to  the  captives,  and  the  opening  of  the  prison 
to  them  that  are  bound  ; 

To  proclaim  the  year  of  the  Lord's  favor,  and  the  day  of 

vengeance  of  our  God ; 
To  comfort  all  that  mourn ;  to  appoint  unto  them  that  mourn  in 
Zion,  to  give  unto  them  a  garland  for  ashes, 

The  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  the  garment  of  praise  for  the 

spirit  of  heaviness; 
That  they  may  be  called  trees  of  righteousness. 

The  planting  of  the  Lord,  that  he  may  be  glorified. 

Isaiah  xlix 

YEA,  saith  the  Lord,  It  is  too  light  a  thing  that  thou  shouldest  be 
my  servant  to  raise  up  the  tribes  of  Jacob,  and  to  restore  the  pre- 
served of  Israel : 


IReeponeive  IReaMngs  65 

I  will  also  give  thee  for  a  light  to  the  Gentiles,  that  thou  mayest 
be  my  salvation  unto  the  end  of  the  earth. 

Thus  saitli  the  Lord,  In  an  acceptable  time  have  I  answered  thee, 
and  in  a  day  of  salvation,  have  I  helped  thee  ; 

And  I  will  preserve  thee,  and  give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  the 

people, 
Saying  to  them  that  are  bound,  Go  forth ;  to  them  that  are  in 
darkness,  Show  yourselves. 

They  shall  feed  in  the  ways,  and  on  all  bare  heights  shall  be 

their  pasture. 
They  shall  not  hunger  nor  thirst ;  neither  shall  the  heat  nor  sun 
smite  them : 

For  he  that  hath  mercy  on  them  will  lead  them,  even  by 

springs  of  water  will  he  guide  them. 
And  I  will  make  all  my  mountains  a  way,  and  my  highways  shall 
be  exalted. 

Lo,  these  shall  come  from  far;  and,  lo,  these  from  the  north 

and  from  the  west ;  and  these  from  the  land  of  Sinim. 
Sing,  0  heavens  ;  and  be  joyful,  O  earth  ;  and  break  forth  into 
singing,  0  mountains : 

For  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will  have  com- 
passion upon  his  afflicted. 


SELECTION  55 

THE  HOPE  OF  IMMORTALITY 

Psalm  xvi 

THE  Lord  is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance  and  of  my  cup  : 
thou  maintainest  my  lot. 

The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleasant  places;  yea,  I  have 

a  goodly  heritage. 
I  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me  ;  because  he  is  at  my  right 
hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved. 

Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  and  my  glory  rejoiceth  : 
My  flesh  also  shall  dwell  in  safety. 

For  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  soul  to  Sheol;  neither  wilt  thou 

suffer  thy  holy  one  to  see  corruption. 

5 


66  IReaponaipe  TReabinga 

Thou  wilt  show  rne  the  path  of  life :  in  thy  presence  is  fulness  of 

joy; 
In  thy  right  hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 


BLESSED  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

Who  according  to  his  great  mercy  begat  us  again  unto  a 
living  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead, 

Unto  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled,  and  that  fadeth 
not  away,  reserved  in  heaven  for  you, 

Who  by  the  power  of  God  are  guarded  through  faith 

Unto  a  salvation  ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  last  time. 

Wherein  ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now  for  a  little  while, 
if  need  be,  ye  have  been  put  to  grief  in  manifold  trials, 

That  the  proof  of  your  faith,  being  more  precious  than  gold  tliat 

perisheth  though  it  is  proved  by  fii-e. 

May  be  found  unto  praise  and  glory  and  honor  at  the  revela- 
tion of  Jesus  Christ ; 

Whom  not  having  seen  ye  love  : 
On  whom,  though  now  ye  see  him  not,  yet  believing. 

Ye  rejoice  greatly  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory  : 
Receiving  the  end  of  your  faith,  even  the  salvation  of  your 
souls. 

II  Corinthians  iv,  v 

WHEREFOEE  we  faint  not;  but  though  our  outward  man  is 
decaying,  yet  our  inward  man  is  renewed  day  by  day. 
For  our  light  affliction,  which  is  for  the  moment, 

Worketh  for  us  more  and  more  exceedingly  an  eternal  weight  of 
glory  ; 

While  we  look  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen,  but  at  the 
things  which  are  not  seen : 

For  the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal ; 

But  the  things  which  are  not  seen  are  eternal. 

For  we  know  that  if  the  earthly  house  of  our  tabernacle  be 
dissolved, 

,    We  have  a  building  from  God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands, 
eternal,  in  the  heavens. 


IRcaponsive  IReabiuQe  eT 

SELECTION   56 

THE  GREAT  KING 

Isaiah  iz 

THE  people  that  walked  in  darkness  have  seen  a  great  light: 
They  that  dwelt  in  the  land  of  the  shadow  of  death,  upon 
them  hath  the  light  shined. 

For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  son  is  given ;  and  the 
government  shall  be  upon  his  shoukler  : 

And  his  name  shall  be  called  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  Mighty 
God,  Everlasting  Father,  Prince  of  Peace, 

Of  the  increase  of  his  government  and  of  peace  there  shall  be  no 
end, 

Upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his  kingdom,  to  establish 

it, 

And  to  uphold  it  with  justice  and  with  righteousness  from  hence- 
forth even  for  ever. 

The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  will  perform  this. 

Isaiah  xi 

AND  there  shall  come  forth  a  shoot  out  of  the  stock  of  Jesse,  and 
a  branch  out  of  his  roots  shall  bear  fruit 

And  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  shall  rest  upon  him,  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  understanding, 

The  spirit  of  counsel  and  might,  the  spirit  of  knowledge  and  of 
the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

And  his  delight  shall  be  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord;  and  he  shall 
not  judge  after  the  sight  of  his  eyes, 

Neither  decide  after  the  hearing  of  his  ears ;  but  with  righteous- 
ness shall  he  judge  the  poor, 
And  decide  with  equity  for  the  meek  of  the  earth ; 

And  he  shall  smite  the  earth  with  the  rod  of  his  mouth  ;  and  with 
the  breath  of  his  lips  shall  he  slay  the  wicked. 

And  righteousness  shall  be  the  girdle  of  his  waist,  and  faith- 
fulness the  girdle  of  his  loins. 

And  the  wolf  shall  dwell  with  the  lamb,  and  the  leopard  shall  lie 
down  with  the  kid  ; 

And  the  calf  and  the  young  lion  and  the  fatling  together; 

And  a  little  child  shall  lead  them. 


68  IReaponaive  TReabinge 

And  the  cow  and  the  bear  shall  feed;  their  young  ones  shall 
lie  down  together; 

And  the  lion  shall  eat  straw  like  the  ox. 

And  the  sucking  child  shall  play  on  the  hole  of  the  asp,  and 
the  weaned  child  shall  put  his  hand  on  the  adder^s  den. 

They  shall  not  hurt  nor  desti'oy  in  all  my  holy  mountain  ; 

For  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as 
the  waters  cover  the  sea. 


SELECTION  57 

THE  NATIVITY 

MAGNIFICAT 

Lukei 

MY  soul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  hath  rejoiced 
in  God  my  Saviour. 

For  he  hath  looked  upon  the  low  estate  of  his  handmaid : 
P'or  behold,  from  henceforth  all  generations  shall  call  me  blessed. 

For  he  that  is  mighty  hath  done  to  me  great  things ;  and  holy 

is  his  name. 
.\]\d  his  mercy  is  unto  generations  and  generations  on  them  that 
fear  him. 

He  hath  showed  strength  with  his  arm;  he  hath  scattered 

the  proud  in  the  imagination  of  their  heart. 
He  hath  put  down  princes  from  their  thrones,  and  hath  exalted 
them  of  low  degree. 

The  hungry  he  hath  filled  with  good  things;  and  the  rich  he 

hath  sent  empty  away. 
He  hath  given  help  to  Israel  his  servant,  that  he  might  remember 
mercy, 

As  he  spake  unto  our  fathers,  toward  Abraham  and  his  seed 

for  ever, 

BENEDICTUS 

Lukei 

BLESSED  be  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel ;  for  he  hath  visited 
and  wrought  redemption  for  his  people, 


IReeponaipe  IReaMngs  69 

And  hath  raised  up  a  horn  of  salvation  for  us  in  the  house  of 
his  servant  David, 

As  he  spake  by  the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets  that  have  been 
from  of  old, 

Salvation  from  our  enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  all  that 

hate  us; 

To  show  mercy  towards  our  fathers,  and  to  remember  his  holy 
covenant ; 

The  oath  which  he  sware  unto  Abraham  our  father,  to  grant 
unto  us  that  we  being  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies 

Should  serve  him  without  fear,  in  holiness  and  righteousness 

before  him  all  our  days. 
Yea  and  thou,  child,  shalt  be  called  the  prophet  of  the  Most 
High: 

For  thou  shalt  go  before  the  face  of  the  Lord  to  make  ready  his 

ways; 

To  give  knowledge  of  salvation  unto  his  people  in  the  re- 
mission of  their  sins, 

Because  of  the  tender  mercy  of  our  God, 

Whereby  the  dayspring  from  on  high  shall  visit  us, 

To  shine  upon  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death  ; 
To  guide  our  feet  into  the  way  of  peace. 


SELECTION   58 

THE  eLOEY  OF  THE  CROSS 


Romans  v 


BEING-  therefore  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; 

Through  whom  also  we  have  had  our  access  by  faith  into  this 

grace  wherein  we  stand ; 
And  we  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 

For  while  we  were  yet  weak,  in  due  season  Christ  died  for 

the  ungodly. 
For  scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will  one  die : 

For  peradventure  for  the  good  man  some  one  would  even  dare 

to  die. 


70  IReeponeive  IReabinge 

But  God  commendetli  his  own  love  toward  us, 
In  that,  while  we  were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us. 

Isaiah  liiS 

WHO  hath  believed  our  message  ?  and  to  whom  hath  the  arm  of 
the  Lord  been  revealed? 

For  he  grew  up  before  him  as  a  tender  plant,  and  as  a  root 

out  of  a  dry  ground : 
He  hath  no  form  nor  comeliness ;  and  when  we  see  him,  there  is 
no  beauty  that  we  should  desire  him. 

He  was  despised,  and  rejected  of  men;  a  man  of  sorrows,  and 

acquainted  with  grief: 
And  as  one  from  whom  men  hide  their  face  he  was  despised ;  and 
we  esteemed  him  not. 

Surely  he  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows ; 
Yet  we  did  esteem  him  stricken,  smitten  of  Grod,  and  afflicted. 

But  he  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions,  he  was  bruised 

for  our  iniquities : 
The  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him ;  and  with  his  stripes 
we  are  healed. 

All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray ;  we  have  turned  every  one 

to  his  own  way , 
And  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  all 

Therefore  will  I  divide  him  a  portion  with  the  great,  and  he 

shall  divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong; 
Because  he  poured  out  his  soul  unto  death,  and  was  numbered 
with  the  transgressors : 

Yet  he  bare  the  sin  of  many,  and  made  intercession  for  the 

transgressors. 

SELECTION  59 

CHILDREN  S  DAY 

Psalms  xliv,  Ixxviii 

WE  have  heard  witli  our  ears,  0  God,  our  fathers  have  told  us. 
What  work  thou  didst  in  their  days,  in  the  days  of  old. 
We  will  not  hide  them  from  their  children, 

Telling  to  the  generation  to  come  the  praises  of  the  Lord, 


IReaponaive  IReablngs  7i 

And  his  strength,  and  his  wondrous  works  that  he  hath  done. 

That  the  generation  to  come  might  know  them,  even  the 

children  that  should  be  born ; 
Who  should  arise  and  tell  them  to  their  children, 

That  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God  and  not   forget  the 
works  of  God. 

Psalm  cxlviii 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.     Praise  ye  the  Lord  from  the  heavens : 

Praise  him  in  the  heights.     Praise  ye  him,  all  his  angels : 
Praise  ye  him,  all  his  host.     Praise  ye  him,  sun  and  moon  : 

Praise  him,  all  ye  stars  of  light.     Praise  him,  ye  heavens  of 

heavens. 
And  ye  waters  that  are  above  the  heavens. 

Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord ; 
For  he  commanded,  and  they  were  created.     He  hath  also  estab- 
lished them  for  ever  and  ever : 

He  hath  made  a  decree  which  shall  not  pass  away. 
Praise  the  Lord  from  the  earth,  ye  sea-monsters,  and  all  deeps  ; 

Fire  and  hail,  snow  and  vapor;    stormy  wind,  fulfilling  his 

word; 
Mountains  and  all  hills ;  fruitful  trees  and  all  cedars ; 

Beasts  and  all  cattle ;  creeping  things  and  flying  birds ; 
Kings  of  the  earth  and  all  peoples ;  princes  and  all  judges  of  the 
earth ; 

Both  young  men  and  maidens.     Old  men  and  children: 
Let  them  praise  the  nam_e  of  the  Lord ;    for  his  name  alone  is 
exalted ; 

His  glory  is  above  the  earth  and  the  heavens. 

SELECTION  60 

THE  NEW  YEAR 

Psalm  cii 

MY  days  are  like  a  shadow  that  declineth;  and  I  am  withered 
like  grass. 
But  thou,  O  Lord,  wilt  abide  for  ever;  and  thy  memorial  name 
unto  all  generations. 


72  lRe0pon0it)e  IReaoinaa 

Of  old  didst  thou  lay  the  foundation  of  the  earth;  and  the  heavens 
are  the  work  of  thy  hands. 

They  shall  perish,  but  thou  shalt  endure; 
Yea,  all  of  them  shall  wax  old  like  a  garment ;  as  a  vesture  shalt 
thou  change  them,  and  they  shall  be  changed ; 

But  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy  years  shall  have  no  end. 

Psalm  xc 

LOKD,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place  in  all  generations. 

Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst 

formed  the  earth  and  the  world, 
Even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art  God. 

Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction,  and  sayest,  Return,  ye 

children  of  men. 
For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but  as  yesterday  when  it  is 
past,  and  as  a  watch  in  the  night. 

Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with  a  flood ;  they  are  as  a  sleep : 
In  the  morning  they  are  like  grass  which  groweth  up. 

In  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and  groweth  up ;  in  the  evening 

it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth. 
So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may  get  us  a  heart  of 
wisdom. 

Return,  O  Lord ;  how  long  ?     And  let  it  repent  thee  concern- 
ing thy  servants. 
Oh  satisfy  us  in  the  morning  with  thy  lovingkindness,  that  w§ 
may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all  our  days. 

Make  us  glad  according  to  the  days  wherein  thou  hast  afficted 

us. 
And  the  years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil. 

Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  upon 

their  children, 
And  let  the  favor  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us ; 

And  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us;  yea,  the 

work  of  our  hands  establish  thou  it. 


Date  Due 

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